McManus bids for Greatwood repeat

Hasty Prince and Tarlac are both on course to make the starting line-up in the Greatwood Handicap Hurdle at Cheltenham on November 12.

Having witnessed the ill-fated Lingo carry his famous silks to victory in the Grade Three event last year, it seems legendary owner and punter JP McManus will launch a two-pronged raid on this year’s renewal.

After enduring a frustrating period, Hasty Prince proved he was no back number when landing the Betfair Million Handicap Hurdle back in April and made a pleasing return to action at Chepstow last month.

And while connections feel he probably keeps few secrets from the handicapper, they are pleased with his current condition.

“Hasty Prince has a mark he deserves, I suppose, and he just struggles a bit off it at times but Jonjo (O’Neill) is very happy with him at present and he is on course for the Greatwood Hurdle,” explained Frank Berry, racing manager to McManus.

The Nicky Henderson-trained Tarlac proved himself a smart novice last term and finished only three lengths behind seasoned handicappers in the highly-competitive Sunderlands Imperial Cup at Sandown in March.

He would have to race from 10lbs out of the handicap if 160-rated Desert Quest were to take his chance in the £65,000 (€97,000) test, but connections feel their five-year-old is showing them the right signs at the moment.

“Tarlac is also on course for the Greatwood Hurdle,” revealed Berry. “Nicky is very happy with the horse. He summered well and is pleasing in his work at home.”