More Aintree agony for Drever as he fluffs his lines once more
The three-time winner of the Ladbrokes World Hurdle was a warm order to follow up his most recent Cheltenham victory, but Howard Johnson’s stable stalwart fluffed his lines on Merseyside once more.
Despite kicking off his hurdling career with victory at this track in 2004, the nine-year-old has now been turned over on four subsequent visits and could finish no better than third on this occasion.
The 13-8 favourite made a mistake passing the stands heading out on the final circuit and the mount of Denis O’Regan was on the back foot thereafter. After dropping to the rear of the pack on the far side he kept trying to attack the field and had made up ground on the heels of the main bunch heading towards two out.
But it was not to be and Inglis Drever had to settle for minor honours behind the Robert Thornton-ridden Blazing Bailey, who dug deep in first-time blinkers to deny the enigmatic Faasel by six lengths.
The Alan King-trained winner had finished behind Inglis Drever on the two previous occasions they had met this winter, but comprehensively turned the form around in first-time blinkers.
“The blinkers certainly didn’t hinder him, but I am not sure how much difference they made,” said King. “Choc (Thornton) was a bit surprised I was putting them on, but I had to try something.
“It is fair to say Inglis Drever isn’t the same horse here which gave us hope.
“We will see how he is, but Punchestown would be an option. If he runs again that is where you will see him.
“We have beaten Inglis Drever a time or two and I think we even beat him in the Cleeve giving weight once before.
“I am a huge fan of Inglis Drever and you have to fancy your chances a little bit around here as it isn’t his track – but you can’t take anything away from him. He is a great champion and we might have done him today, but I hope Howard does retire him really!”
Thornton, who like Faasel’s rider Brian Harding picked up a one-day ban (April 17) for careless riding, added: “I was worried when I missed the last down the back but the further we went the better he went.”
