racingbetter.co.uk
Opus Energy Novices' Hurdle 

racing_news/

 

Steps To Freedom On Road to Festival
11/11/11

1 Steps To Freedom 11/8F
2 Prospect Wells 9/2
3 Ericht 3/1
9 ran Distances: nk, 2½l, 7l
TIME 3m 57.70s (slow by 5.70s)

Steps To Freedom could head straight to the Festival meeting after edging out Prospect Wells in the Opus Energy Novices' Hurdle at Cheltenham.

Steps To Freedom
© racing-images.co.uk

Steps To Freedom

There was a strong Irish challenge for the Grade Two contest and Jessica Harrington's five-year-old was sent off the 11-8 favourite after winning his only two starts over obstacles at Fairyhouse and Punchestown.

Robbie Power sat just on the heels of Prospect Wells and Ericht, and his mount produced a stinging finish to beat the former by a neck.

"He's had a long summer and we might just put him away until Cheltenham now, maybe with just a prep run on the all-weather," said Harrington. I think he's good. He showed today he handled the course and he had to battle."

Steps To Freedom is now a general 10-1 chance for the Supreme Novices' Hurdle next March.

Of Prospect Wells, trainer Paul Nicholls said: "I heard the winner was good, but I'm pleased with my horse. He maybe idled a bit in front, but hopefully he can keep improving."

 

Position
Horse
Trainer
Jockey
Weight
Starting Price
Beaten Distance
1
Steps To Freedom
Mrs J Harrington
R M Power
11st 7lbs
11 - 8
Winner
2
Prospect Wells
P F Nicholls
D A Jacob
11st 4lbs
9 - 2
Neck
3
Ericht
N J Henderson
B J Geraghty
11st 0lbs
3 - 1
2 1/2 lengths
4
Flycorn
T Hogan
J L Cullen
11st 4lbs
33 - 1
7 lengths
5
Ohio Gold
C L Tizzard
J Tizzard
11st 0lbs
9 - 1
3/4 length
6
Redera
A J Martin
R Walsh
11st 7lbs
12 - 1
9 lengths
7
Absolutlyfantastic
H de Bromhead
A E Lynch
11st 7lbs
16 - 1
4 1/2 lengths
8
Sublime Talent
Evan Williams
Paul Moloney
11st 4lbs
33 - 1
11 lengths
9
Gumball
P R Webber
D Elsworth
11st 0lbs
100 - 1
33 lengths
       

 

tumpline internet home | associations | bloodstock agents | bookmakers | information | horses | jockeys | links | overseas | portals | racecourses | race horse trainers | sales | studs | syndicates | submit site email
© racingbetter.co.uk • 91 Tribune Drive • Carlisle • CA3 0LE