World Hurdle target for Rule
The seven-year-old chased home leading Champion Hurdle contender The New One in the Neptune Investment Management Novices’ Hurdle at last year’s Festival before suffering a potentially life-threatening pelvic injury at Punchestown in April.
He recovered remarkably quickly, however, making a winning comeback at Naas in October before running with credit in Grade One events at Fairyhouse and Leopardstown.
He looked better than ever when winning last weekend’s Limestone Lad Hurdle and Morris believes his charge is capable of making his presence felt at Prestbury Park.
“He’s come out of the race well. There’s not a bother on him,” said the Fethard-based handler. “It was a good performance on the day. He quickened up nicely and he could do no more than win the way he did, so hopefully he’s on the way back.
“Making the running wasn’t ideal, but at the same time it will do him no harm. It was good education for him. He’ll go straight for the World Hurdle now and better ground in Cheltenham should suit him well.”
Morris will be keeping a close eye on this Saturday’s Cleeve Hurdle at Cheltenham, with four-times World Hurdle hero Big Buck’s due to make his return from injury. “We’ll see how he runs this weekend. He is obviously the one (to beat). We’ll just keep our fingers crossed all goes well with our horse,” said Morris.
