Some Man primed for Foxhunters’ challenge
Christie’s big-race contender was a wide-margin Down Royal winner.
David Christie is excited to set Some Man the Aintree challenge after his convincing success in a hunters’ chase at Down Royal last month. Some Man relished better ground on St Patrick’s Day as he made all under Barry O’Neill, and coasted home by 12 lengths to earn a shot at Thursday’s Rose Paterson Randox Foxhunters’ Open Hunters’ Chase. His County Fermanagh trainer has long held the son of Beat Hollow in high regard, and identified this big-race target over the Grand National fences straight after his latest victory. “We hope he takes to Aintree, and think the flat track will suit him well,” said Christie. “He’s an out-and-out two-and-a-half-miler. There are very few races in Ireland for him over two-and-a-half miles, or two miles five (furlongs). “We are excited to go over – we go there with a reasonable chance, hoping for everything and expecting nothing. He travels well and is a good jumper. You need loads of boot to stay up there in this race – and he has that.”Christie saddled the former top-class Road To Riches to finish third at 20-1 in the same race two years ago – but that horse was in the twilight of his career, whereas Some Man is low mileage and prominent in the betting behind fellow Irish raider Billaway. “He has been very good since Down Royal, and we’ve had a clear run with him,” added Christie. “He is very fresh and well, and his work has been very good. “Barry (O’Neill) is looking forward to riding him. He’s a top rider, and all the top riders want to prove themselves over the National fences. “Our Achilles heel is that he is quite a novice going in against these experienced horses. He still lacks quite a lot of experience for an eight-year-old. “(But) you can wait for experience, and it never comes, so we are going to jump into the deep water. “He’s as good a horse as I’ve had on my hands for some time.”
Follow us on Twitter racing365dotcom and like our Facebook page.
Latest
-
Ramatuelle ruled out of Breeders’ Cup Mile bid
French ace scratched from Del Mar contest following veterinary advice.
-
Horse Racing
Yahagi has every faith Forever Young is ready for Classic battle
‘Perfect preparation’ for Kentucky Derby third heading into City Of Troy clash.
-
Exciting times as Brighterdaysahead starts off at Down Royal
‘One step at a time’ for Grade One-winning mare, who was expected to go chasing this season.
-
Joseph O’Brien expecting Classic show from ‘right type’ Troy
But Kieren Fallon sounding note of caution ahead of Del Mar blockbuster.
-
Grand Sefton not on the agenda for Minella Drama
Donald McCain happy to wait for other targets with Old Roan winner.
-
Eydon back on familiar ground at Newmarket this weekend
High-class five-year-old was fourth in the 2000 Guineas two years ago.
-
Charlie Appleby launching dual assault on Juvenile Turf
Aomori City and Al Qudra chasing Breeders’ Cup gold at Del Mar.
-
Wathnan juveniles all set for Breeders’ Cup battle
And Mick Appleby hunting race repeat, this time with Big Mojo.
-
‘It will be great if he could win’ – Bin Suroor rooting for City Of Troy
Godolphin trainer knows what it is like to come close to Breeders’ Cup Classic glory.
-
Hobson ‘can’t wait’ to unleash Fugitif at Cheltenham
Paddy Power Gold Cup again the aim for Prestbury Park fan.