I'd love to see Hunt Ball go for it. I'd even go over to see it run. Best Handicapper horse i've seen in 25 years. He's not too short of Grade one status if he isn't already there.
Racingpost.com
HUNT BALL, who last week continued his amazing rise with a stunning eight-length success in the Pulteney Land Investments Novices' Handicap Chase atthe festival, could go back to Cheltenham for the Silver Trophy next month, his owner Anthony Knott said on Sunday.
However, Knott and trainer Keiran Burke will also conder stepping up in trip and class in the Grade 1 Betfred Bowl at Aintree.
The difference in prize-money is not a serious factor, according to Knott as he pointed out that he always backs Hunt Ball and said that he won more than £500,000 following his victory at Cheltenham last week.
"I wouldn't be worried by the step up in trip as I think that would bring major imporvement," Knott said on At The Races.
"Aintree or a race back at Cheltenham will be discussed, but wherever he goes, lump on!"
Burke also ran Holmwood Legend and Fortification at the festival, and the trainer said of Holmwood Legend, who finished a highly creditable sixth when bidding for back-to-back Plate successes: "I was over the moon with him, he ran a blinder.
"He had not been himself this season, but came right at Cheltenham. I was very pleased with him and also the ride he was given [by Steven Clements]."
Fortification was pulled up in the Cross Country Chase and Burke said simply that running the "quirky sort" in that unique race did not work out.
massive jump from running off 142 in a novices handicap to running at levels against Grade 1 horses but be interesting to see how much he can improve again - will need to run at least 170 to be involved in the finish
massive jump from running off 142 in a novices handicap to running at levels against Grade 1 horses but be interesting to see how much he can improve again - will need to run at least 170 to be involved in the finish
He also sees much more improvement as he steps up in trip. The good thing is that he is not a bridle horse in that he generally responds to pushing and shoving.
If he is lazy by nature he could improve more and more.
He also sees much more improvement as he steps up in trip. The good thing is that he is not a bridle horse in that he generally responds to pushing and shoving.If he is lazy by nature he could improve more and more.