Smad Place may run in National Spirit Hurdle

Smad Place could tackle the National Spirit Hurdle at Fontwell after his easy win at Ascot on Saturday.

Alan King’s grey returned from a lengthy absence to defy a big weight in the Holloway’s Hurdle, giving yet another boost to the form of last season’s Triumph Hurdle.

He holds an entry in the World Hurdle and while King feels he will stay three miles, the prospect of taking on Big Buck’s is another matter entirely.

“Smad Place had no end of problems last season and ended up throwing a splint in the autumn, so it has been a frustrating time,” said King.

“However, he is a gorgeous horse and he will make a lovely novice chaser next season, though I have actually entered him for the World Hurdle at Cheltenham.

“The trip would not be a problem, but Big Buck’s just might and we will probably make a decision after he has run in the National Spirit Hurdle at Fontwell.”

King was also on the mark with Balder Succes, one of his many potential stars in the juvenile division this season.

“Similarly, Balder Succes is a horse with a big future. His was a bloodless triumph over just two opponents and we did not learn anything that we did not already know, but it was only the third race of his career and we like him a lot,” he told his website.

“Balder Succes will probably be entered for Cheltenham, though I see him more as an Aintree-Punchestown horse, but we might know more if we run him in the Adonis Hurdle at Kempton next month and that race is a distinct possibility.”