Baby in mix for Cheltenham

TRIUMPH Hurdle favourite Baby Mix remains on course to have his second outing on British soil at Cheltenham on January 28.

The French recruit swept aside the talented Hinterland on his debut at Prestbury Park earlier this month, elevating him to prominence in the ante-post lists for the major juvenile prize at the Cheltenham Festival.

Trainer Tom George was thrilled with his latest piece of homework and is excited about getting him back on the track.

“He did his first proper piece of work since his Cheltenham run this morning and I have to say it was very impressive,” said George.

“Even before he went to Cheltenham his work had been good, but you never really know how good they are until you get them on the track and, thankfully, he won very well.

“He’ll go back to Cheltenham on January 28 for Festival Trials Day for the Triumph Hurdle Trial.

“He’s doing everything right and hopefully things continue that way.”

Nacarat meanwhile could line up in the racing+ Chase at Kempton for a fourth time after showing up well for a long way in the King George VI Chase on Monday.

The 10-year-old matched strides with Kauto Star early in the Grade One contest, before eventually fading to finish fifth.

The dashing grey was a brilliant winner of the racing+ Chase in 2009 and has been placed for the last two years and he could well be back for more on February 25.

Trainer Tom George said: “He’s fine and I thought he ran a good, solid race.

“He showed loads of enthusiasm and just made a mistake when the pace quickened and then faded.

“I’ll have a chat with the owners and see what we’re going to do, but he could go for the racing+ Chase back at Kempton.

“He’s obviously run well in that race before, so we’ll have a look at that.”

George’s Halley was a Grade One winner over fences in France, but his career has not gone to plan so far on these shores.

After being well beaten in a novice hurdle at Cheltenham, he only made it as far as the second fence in the Rowland Meyrick Chase at Wetherby on Monday.

“He’s an unbelievably good jumper but like a lot of French horses, he just hasn’t adapted to the English fences yet,” George added.

“He just brushed through the ditch the other day and unseated his rider as he isn’t showing the fences enough respect. It’s a different style of jumping over here, so we need to teach him what to do.”