Straw Bear found to be below–par
The Supreme Novices’ Hurdle runner-up failed to follow up on his ‘Fighting Fifth’ victory last week and weakened following the turn for home at the Sunbury venue to finish fourth under Tony McCoy.
Connections were initially puzzled by the six-year-old’s performance as he failed to confirm Newcastle form with Noble Request and Desert Quest, but a tracheal wash revealed an infection.
Trainer Nick Gifford said: “The wash was cloudy and dirty so he has some sort of infection, but I am just waiting to get the test results to see exactly what it is.
“He will need a course of antibiotics to treat it so I can’t say for sure where he will run next, but I don’t imagine he will be off for too long as he is so well in himself.”
Straw Bear has been targeted at the Smurfit Kappa Champion Hurdle all season and is now a 12-1 chance for the March 13 event with Coral.
Meanwhile Ungaro, who preserved his unbeaten record over fences with a 10-length drubbing of Boychuk at Kempton over Christmas is to tackle the Scilly Isles Novices’ Chase at Sandown on February 3 before any Cheltenham plans are firmed-up.
Keith Reveley’s charge was yesterday reported “fine” by his trainer following that Stan James Feltham Novices’ Chase victory against the best field assembled for such a contest this season.
Thetrainer said: “Ungaro has come out of it fine and is having a break ahead of a trip to Sandown. He seems to prefer decent ground and I don’t think the SunAlliance in a bog would be quite up his street.”
