Invictus has Sandown target
Series final appeals to Gordon after fine Betfair Hurdle effort.
Annual Invictus is to be aimed at the European Breeders’ Fund Paddy Power ‘National Hunt’ Novices’ Handicap Hurdle Final at Sandown. The six-year-old excelled himself to finish fourth to Soaring Glory in last week’s Betfair Hurdle at Newbury, but trainer Chris Gordon believes he would have been closer had the ground not dried out. Annual Invictus put in excellent late work to get within five and three-quarter lengths of the winner, suggesting a return to a longer trip will suit him. His Sandown target in mid-March is over two and a half miles, and Gordon’s charge won over a similar distance when completing a hat-trick on his previous start at Plumpton. Gordon said: “He ran a blinder at Newbury. If it had been soft/heavy ground I think we’d have been very close. “It dried up a lot. He finished like an absolute train and wanted a little bit further. With slower ground, he’d have taken some beating. “He’ll go for the EBF Final at Sandown on the Saturday before the beginning of Cheltenham. “He’s been a consistent horse all season. I’m looking forward to the EBF Final now.” The Winchester trainer is also looking forward to Mount Windsor’s return, having been off the track because of a bug in the yard. Gordon added: “I had a very quiet January because we did have a bug, a respiratory virus, in the yard. “He was one who was hit very badly with it, but I think he’s two weeks off a run. “I’ve got him pencilled in for a two-mile-three-furlong hurdle at Sandown on Friday, March 12. I’d imagine he’d head towards that. “He would have gone for the Betfair if he’d been well.” Before his absence, Mount Windsor chalked up a hat-trick in the space of a month at Lingfield, Fakenham and Taunton.Follow us on Twitter racing365dotcom and like our Facebook page.
Latest
-
Point Lonsdale proves far too strong in Ormonde Stakes
Well-travelled Aidan O’Brien five-year-old an emphatic scorer on the Roodee.
-
Capulet captures Dee Stakes to join those in Derby mix for O’Brien
‘He’d probably get a mile and a half the way he runs so we’re delighted with him’.
-
Never So Brave looks smart prospect in the making with Chester success
Royal Ascot could be a target for colt with classy juvenile form to his name.
-
Washington Heights taking Duke of York challenge next week
Smart types set for Knavesmire sprint action, and Musidora full of exciting fillies.
-
Passenger embarks on ‘exciting year’ at Chester
Huxley Stakes starting point for Sir Michael Stoute’s promising four-year-old.
-
The Shunter seeking more staying honours for Emmet Mullins
Cesarewitch victor now has Friday’s Chester Cup in his sights.
-
Royal Ascot a likely option for Guineas fifth Alyanaabi
Connections eager for another crack at a mile after Newmarket defeat.
-
Hewick heading for French Champion Hurdle assignment
After finishing fourth last year, a repeat trip to Auteuil is booked in.