Sacre scares away Maghull opposition
The Nicky Henderson-trained gelding was a brilliant winner of the Arkle Trophy at Cheltenham last month and now goes for another Grade One success.
Barry Geraghty will be on board and has always spoken of Sprinter Sacre in glowing terms.
“When he broke the course record at Newbury that was a bit of a warning shot of what was to come, but he was brilliant at Cheltenham,” the Meath jockey told At The Races.
“It’s hard to say he’s the best I’ve ever ridden as he’s unexposed over fences so far, but he’s the most natural jumper. I’ve never ridden a horse who does it so easily.
“Touch wood he’s so accurate with his jumping, they don’t come much better than that.”
Paul Webber’s Australia Day is reported to be ready for his comeback run though he is expected to be better for the outing.
Geraghty is also excited at continuing his successful association with Simonsig in the Mersey Novices’ Hurdle.
He partnered the Nicky Henderson-trained grey to a smooth victory in the Neptune Investment Management Novices’ Hurdle at Cheltenham to make it three wins and a second from four efforts together.
“I’m mad about him. He’s fairly exciting. He could have run over two miles at Cheltenham but I always felt that two-five would help his jumping a little,” added Geraghty.
“He’ll have no problem coming back to two miles over fences, he’ll have more respect for them.
“He’ll be a better chaser than a hurdler I’d imagine which would make him very exciting.
“I’m looking forward to this race with him but I’m definitely looking forward to next year.”
Jim Dreaper also has one eye on a chasing future for Go All The Way, whose career so far has been littered with injuries.
Fourth in the Champion Bumper at Cheltenham last season, the seven-year-old got off the mark over hurdles at the second attempt.
“He’s had a difficult career with a couple of pelvic injuries and this is only his third race over hurdles,” said the County Dublin trainer.
“Regardless of what he does, I’d say his next race will be over fences.
“He’s racing fit. He’s had a couple of problems, but he’s sound now and ready to go.”
