Newland sets Cheltenham assignment for Beau Bay
Kim Muir next for Grand Sefton winner.
Beau Bay is set to take another step up in trip and go for the Fulke Walwyn Kim Muir Handicap Chase at Cheltenham. Trainer Richard Newland believes the three and a quarter miles will suit the 10-year-old, after he stayed three miles well to score at Doncaster. Beau Bay also holds an entry in the Randox Grand National, but it is highly unlikely he will make the cut because he was rated only 136 until after his win on Town Moor last month. He was raised 6lb to 142 following that success, but it came after the weights for the Aintree spectacular were published. He won the two-mile-five-furlong Grand Sefton Handicap Chase over the National fences in December, and it is possible Beau Bay could still be back in action there for the Topham Chase if conditions are suitable. “The handicapper put him up 6lb for his latest win, but it was too late for the National. I’m sure he won’t get in so I’m not expecting to get a run there,” said Newland. “He might run in the Topham, but the plan is to go to the Kim Muir at Cheltenham – and we’ll take a view after that. He’s had quite a busy season. “If he runs respectably in the Kim Muir, I might say there’s a chance we’ll keep going to Aintree in case he got in the National -and the ground would have to be soft in the Topham. I think they will be a bit too fast for him in that race if it wasn’t. “We’re going for the Kim Muir. I think stepping up in trip is the way to go, and we’ll see how he gets on.”Follow us on Twitter racing365dotcom and like our Facebook page.
Latest
-
Emily Upjohn ‘in top form’ for Coronation Cup repeat bid
John and Thady Gosden’s mare impressively landed the Epsom Group One last year.
-
Wathnan eyeing Gold Cup repeat with star staying duo
All roads lead to Royal Ascot for Courage Mon Ami and Gregory.
-
Haya Zark belies big odds to claim Prix Ganay glory
Al Riffa was a fair fourth for Joseph O’Brien in ParisLongchamp Group One.
-
Prydwen tees up Northumberland Plate tilt with Southwell strike
‘The Plate is over a course and distance he’s won over, so it’s an absolute no-brainer.’
-
Racing saddened by death of ‘warrior’ Shishkin
Nicky Henderson: ‘He was our star and we will never forget him.’
-
Nicholls remains confident ‘we will make it 15 one day’
Ditcheat handler had to settle for third place in this season’s title race.
-
Romantic Warrior reigns again but Golden Sixty upset
There were mixed fortunes for Hong Kong’s two superstars on Champions Day.
-
Nicholls remains confident ‘we will make it 15 one day’
Ditcheat handler had to settle for third place in this season’s title race.