Wylie sweet on Bay chance

Graham Wylie has nominated the Ballymore Properties Novices’ Hurdle as the probable Cheltenham Festival target for his exciting youngster Tidal Bay.

After stretching his unbeaten run over timber to three when beating Kicks For Free at the course on Friday, the five-year-old rocketed to the head of the ante-post market for the Supreme Novices’ Hurdle.

But while plans are not yet set in stone, Wylie believes his charge could prove better suited by the greater stamina test offered by the former Royal & SunAlliance Novices’ Hurdle.

Reflecting on his recent romp, Wylie said: “I was delighted with Tidal Bay - we knew he was a good horse.

“We went there to see if he could be a Cheltenham horse and he did it well but we’re not sure which race he’ll be going for yet.

“He’ll probably go more towards the two-and-a-half-mile race. I’m delighted that he coped with the course and that we’ve got one who could go well if he stays fit.”

And while Tidal Bay has been solely campaigned on ground with some ease in it, connections believe he will also prove effective on a quicker surface.

“Howard (Johnson) says he goes on any ground. It wasn’t that soft at Aintree in the bumper so we think he’ll go in any ground,” Wylie told Racing UK.

“Fingers crossed he stays fit and well and he should have a live chance at Cheltenham.”

Tidal Bay currently trades as low as 8-1 in some lists for the Ballymore Properties race next March.