Morebattle Hero, Duke of
Navan, unlikely to Head to Cheltenham
2/15/2013 - Greystoke-based
National Hunt trainer, Nicky Richards, is not one for sending his horses
to the Cheltenham Festival unless he thinks they are 100 per cent ready,
mentally and physically, for the challenge, writes Elliot Slater.
At this early stage of his
career, the Cumbrian handler believes it’s too soon to be risking recent
brave Morebattle Hurdle winner, Duke of Navan, in the breakneck pace of
the Grade 1 William Hill Supreme Novices Hurdle on March 12, and seems
decided upon on a schedule offering less taxing competition for the rest
of this season.
Currently on offer at 33/1 in
the horse betting
market for the
2013 Cheltenham Festival, Duke of Navan has now won three of his
four starts so far over hurdles.
He met with his only defeat when
running well to finish a three-and-a-half length fourth behind the smart
Dodging Bullets in the Grade 2 Opus Energy Novices Hurdle on only his
second attempt over timber, having won on his hurdling bow at Newcastle
a few weeks earlier.
The strapping son of Presenting
subsequently had his third outing over hurdles in heavy ground at Kelso
in January and carried his winners’ penalty with distinction, as he
readily accounted for Big Water by three lengths.
Returning to the Borders track
for the Morebattle Hurdle on Valentine’s Day, Duke of Navan was rated
17lbs inferior to the favourite, Any Given Day, on official figures, so
racing off level weights appeared to have plenty on his plate.
Patiently ridden by Brian
Harding, Richards’ charge tracked the Donald McCain-trained favourite
through from the second last before quickening into the lead at the
final flight. He then stayed on well on the long Kelso run-in to score
by two-and-a-half lengths.
Should he take in the Aintree
Festival in April, Duke of Navan would definitely be one to keep on the
right side.