Deloitte option for Cash
The Edward O’Grady trained gelding took his unbeaten run over jumps to three when lifting the Grade One Future Champions Novice Hurdle at the Dublin track over Christmas.
That success made him a leading fancy at around 16-1 for the William Hill Supreme Novices’ Hurdle at the Festival.
“I think he’s been a bit under the radar, which suits me quite nicely,” the County Tipperary trainer told At The Races.
“He’s a half-brother to Catch Me, who’s a very good horse. He’s a good jumper and he’s a dour finisher. He’s a horse I’m very happy with.
“He’ll possibly have one more run before Cheltenham. He’ll get an entry in the Grade One at Leopardstown in February and we’ll consider whether we run there or not.”
* Jessies Dream faces a crucial racecourse gallop ahead of a possible return to action in the Hennessy Gold Cup at Leopardstown next month.
The David Johnson-owned nine-year-old, who has not raced since finishing second in the RSA Chase at Cheltenham in March, was among 17 entries for the Grade One feature on February 12.
Trainer Gordon Elliott reports his charge in good form after returning sore from the Festival last spring.
“We gave him a long break after Cheltenham, as he was a bit sore afterwards, but he seems to be in great shape again now and the plan is that he’ll more than likely head to Leopardstown,” said Elliott.
“We’ll take him to Fairyhouse to work next Tuesday and if he comes through that OK, I’d say that he’ll run in the Hennessy.”
Quito De La Roque is also pencilled in to run at Leopardstown and his trainer Colm Murphy will be hoping for an improved performance following his disappointing display when only third in the Lexus Chase over Christmas.
“He has come out that race fine, but we were very disappointed with him the last day.” said Murphy.
“Nothing came to light and perhaps he just had a harder race than we thought he had, when he won the Nicholson Chase.”
* Pittoni is set to return to competitive action in the Red Mills Hurdle at Gowran Park on February 18.
The six-year-old won four times in succession for Charles Byrnes before finishing a creditable third in the Morgiana Hurdle at Punchestown.
He ran no sort of race when trailing home last in the International Hurdle at Cheltenham on his latest appearance and Byrnes is looking forward to getting him back on track.
“We gave him a break after Cheltenham and will start him back in the Red Mills. Hopefully he could be one of the highest rated in that race,” said Byrnes. “We’ll see how he gets on there and make plans after that. He won’t be going to Cheltenham.”
