Minsk Update

Minsk, second favourite for the JCB Triumph Hurdle, is likely to make his debut over jumps in about a month's time.

The four-year-old has attracted plenty of interest for the Grade One at Cheltenham in March on the strength of his Flat form.

He won his last three starts for trainer John Oxx culminating in the Irish Cesarewitch where he romped home by five-and-a-half lengths.

Owner Barry Connell sent the Dalakhani gelding to Dessie Hughes to be trained for a hurdling campaign with the Triumph the target should all go well.

And Hughes reports Minsk to have taken to his new task like a natural.

"He'll probably be running in a month to five weeks' time. He was racing on the Flat all summer so we gave him a bit of a break when we got him about six weeks ago," said the County Kildare handler.

"We're just starting to train him properly now. We're hoping to get two runs into him before Cheltenham.

"He's high in the betting for the Triumph because of his Flat form. He won the Cesarewitch very convincingly and he looks the real deal.

"We've schooled him and he's taken to hurdles very well."

HUGHES AIMS HIGH WITH MINSK

Dessie Hughes would not be afraid of starting off the hurdling career of Minsk in the highest company.

A high-profile recruit out of John Oxx's stable, Minsk won the Irish Cesarewitch in October in good fashion before having his attentions switched to the winter game.

Hughes decided to give him a break after his exertions on the level, but is keen to get him started soon, with the spring festivals fast approaching.

"We got him in October time and gave him a break as he'd been in training a long time and we started him back before Christmas," said Hughes.

"We schooled him before we gave him a break when he was fit and he took to the hurdles very well so we were happy with that.

"He's back in work now - he's doing strong canters and he should be ready to run in the first week of February.

"He might run in the Grade One, the Spring Hurdle at Leopardstown (February 12), or the Winning Fair (Fairyhouse, February 25).

"I'd love to get two runs into him, which will be tight, but he does jump well.

"It's not definite that he'll be aimed at the Triumph, but when he was bought that was what he (owner, Barry Connell) had in mind.

"It won't be the end of the world if he doesn't get there without a couple of runs under his belt.

"If we're happy when he runs that one run will be enough, then he'll go there," the County Kildare handler told At The Races.



Fck off Dessie

Minsk is on course to make his eagerly-awaited jumping debut at Fairyhouse later this month.

The Dalakhani gelding is a leading contender for the JCB Triumph Hurdle at Cheltenham next month, mainly down to his form on the Flat.

He won his last three starts for trainer John Oxx, culminating in the Irish Cesarewitch where he romped home by five and a half lengths.

Owner Barry Connell sent Minsk to Dessie Hughes to be trained for a hurdling campaign, with the Triumph the target should all go well.

And it looks like the Winning Fair Juvenile Hurdle at Fairyhouse on February 25 will be his only public outing before Cheltenham.

"He's good. He's going to Fairyhouse for the Winning Fair on the 25th," said Hughes.

"That will probably be his only run before Cheltenham. It might be enough. It just depends on the company he faces and how he runs.

"I expect him to be in top form for it.

"He likes the hurdles but we'll see how he takes to them when he runs."

one thing schooling over them, another thing taking them at racing pace with other horses around you