Luccia ran a blinder to complete 3rd within the Champion Hurdle for Nicky Henderson – however there stay considerations in regards to the instructor’s total shape in any case 5 of his different runners had been pulled up.
Since Charter Hill was once pulled out of the Champion Hurdle ultimate month, the strong’s shape has been beneath higher scrutiny and, main into Cheltenham, 8 runners in March had comprised a winner, a 2nd, 3 fifths and 3 pulled-up runners.
There have been 5 extra runners pulled up at Cheltenham on Tuesday (Jeriko Du Reponet, Excello, Iberico Lord, Marie’s Rock and Theatre Glory), however Luccia did no less than supply a vibrant spark as she posted a career-best to complete a three-and-a-half-length 3rd at the back of State Guy, having been despatched off a 33-1 shot and the lowest-rated horse within the box.
Henderson stated afterwards: “If I’d had any say within the subject in any respect, she’d have run within the County – however I’m no longer the boss! In truth, from two months in the past we stated we’d give it a cross, and he or she’s a mare, and he or she’s been nice all through.
“She may well be going to stud – I’ll attempt to convince Paul [Sandy, owner] to have every other cross, in a handicap, which is the place she typically lives, however she’s grown up lately.”
Requested whether or not there’s a likelihood that Charter Hill may well be in a position to tackle State Guy prior to the tip of the season, Henderson spoke back: “I don’t know. No less than he was once ridden out with the others this morning, which was once great to peer. He got here out with the opposite horses for the primary time, however we’ve were given an extended, lengthy technique to cross.”
In Charter Hill’s absence, Henderson had additionally supplemented Iberico Lord into the race, however he did not construct on his spectacular shape in handicaps and fell away tamely, as did the quietly fancied Jeriko Du Reponet – reportedly no longer suited via the bottom – within the Ideal.
Whilst the marketplace didn’t be expecting a lot from Excello or Theatre Glory, Marie’s Rock was once every other sour sadness, even though the bottom may just even have been a sound excuse for her given she have been avoided heavy floor on all however one in all her earlier 17 begins.
Henderson nonetheless has the likes of Jonbon, Chantry Space, Sir Gino, Shishkin and No Odd Joe to return this week and it stays a conundrum for punters on the right way to method his runners.
Courtesy of Racing Publish