Harry Skelton, rider of Superb Story, anticipates an excellent run from the gelding in next month’s Champion Hurdle at the Cheltenham Festival.
Trained by his brother Dan and a winner of the 2016 County Hurdle at Prestbury Park, the six-year-old son of Duke Of Marmalade has been primed for a tilt at the Champion Hurdle all season.
Superb Story made a winning return to action this season at Musselburgh on New Year’s Day when he gamely fended off the challenge of My Manekineko to score by half-a-length in the Totepool Hogmaneigh Handicap Hurdle as the well-backed 11/8 favourite, despite carrying top-weight.
Whilst the step up from handicap company to a championship race over two miles seems a little daunting for the Irish-bred gelding, stable-jockey Skelton is confident of a bold run.
He said: “I think Superb Story has a solid each-way chance and the current prices [around 16/1] are a fair reflection of his chance.
“People will point to his rating (149) but he has never contested a Grade Two or Grade One hurdle. He is a bit of unknown in that respect. The last day he gave 26 pounds and a beating to the runner-up. Everyone knows Musselburgh is a quick track and there isn’t much margin for error around there.”
The gelding finished last season with a disappointing run at Galway in which he pulled up. However, Skelton was keen to dismiss that performance remarking: “Ignoring his previous run in Galway, he has improved with every start and we know he likes Cheltenham.
“Horses have gone on from County Hurdles to running well or even winning Champion Hurdles. I think he is a Graded horse but we have to go and find out now.”
Team Skelton could also be represented at the Festival by promising handicapper North Hill Harvey who battled on well at The Open meeting at Cheltenham in November when winning the Grade Three Greatwood Handicap Hurdle by half-a-length.
He looks certain to attempt to replicate Superb Story by winning the County Hurdle at Prestbury Park.
Skelton said of the six-year-old son of Kayf Tara: “North Hill Harvey is another one to look forward to in the County Hurdle .
“He battled well to win Greatwood and Dan has kept him fresh since. This race has been mapped out for him but we are still five weeks away, so hopefully all the horses get there OK.”
Comments.
Loading comments…