Harrington still positive about Joy
Harrington believes her charge could have run a little below form after turning out relatively quickly following his promising reappearance in the AIG Champion Hurdle last month.
But the County Kildare based handler says defeat at the hands of the reigning Seasons Holidays Queen Mother Champion Chase hero, who was in receipt of 8lb, represents fair form.
Of Macs Joy, Harrington said: “His second run back could have been a factor and he’s still alive and everything else is great so it’s straight to the Champion now.
“He’s fine this morning. I’ve had him out for a walk and he’s sound and seems to be perfect after yesterday.
“The one that beat him at Gowran was a very good horse. We gave him weight and that ground was horrible too.”
Macs Joy was generally eased for the Champion Hurdle after his eclipse, and is now available at a best-priced 14-1 with totesport for the March 13 showpiece.
Meanwhile Nick Gifford believes the likely fast pace in the Champion Hurdle will suit Straw Bear down to the ground.
Gifford’s stable star readily saw off Afsoun by seven lengths in the Kingwell Hurdle at Wincanton on Saturday and has reportedly come out of the Grade Two test in great shape.
“He’s absolutely A-one and I’m really pleased as he ate up well and he’s as fresh as a daisy this morning,” Gifford said yesterday.
“With regard to the Champion, I’d have thought it will be the quickest race he’ll have run in as Hardy Eustace won’t hang about.
“We want a strongly-run race though and nine times out of 10 the Champion is.”
