Lavelle weighs up Defense options

Emma Lavelle is in no hurry to make plans for Self Defense following the gelding’s smooth win in the Betfred Hurdle at Kempton.

The Andover trainer will talk things over with owners Fraser Miller Racing before mapping out a winter programme over hurdles for the smart nine-year-old.

Self Defense showed he was no back number over timber with a cosy length-and-a-half verdict over Kawagino in the Class Two on Saturday.

“He’s come out of the race great, he’s in very good form,” Lavelle said.

“He didn’t have a hard race, it was perfect for him.

“I’ll probably discuss it with the owners and make some plans thereafter, but on the back of that we’re likely to be staying over hurdles.”

Connections have many options for Self Defense, including the Greatwood Handicap Hurdle at Cheltenham next month, in which he was unplaced behind Lingo last November.

“I’m sure that would be a possibility but there are plenty of races, but I’ll discuss with the owners to see which way we are going,” she added.

“He really enjoyed it and he’s definitely come out of a race better than he has done before.

“We are very happy with him.”