Dunguib given go-ahead for Champion Hurdle By Jessica Lamb 12:35PM 18 APR 2010
DUNGUIB will face his "first proper test" when taking on Hurricane Fly, Solwhit and Punjabi in Friday's Rabobank Champion Hurdle at the Punchestown festival.
Connections planned to run Dunguib in the 102,000 Grade 1 if the seven-year-old won the Spinal Research Supreme Novices' Hurdle, but felt the Evening Herald Champion Novice Hurdle should also be considered after their star could only finish third.
The novice option, for which Dunguib was as short as even-money favourite, was still not ruled out at last Thursday's confirmation stage, but by then drying ground became a new concern and, with minimal rain forecast for after Tuesday, Friday's event has been deemed the most suitable.
"We're going to let him take his chance in Friday's race rather than Tuesday's," said Fenton on Sunday. "I hear they have done a marvellous job with the wateringup there and we've more chance of getting rain between now and Friday than between now and Tuesday."
A plan to return to Cheltenham next year for the Champion Hurdle, for which Dunguib is as short as 8-1 second favourite behind the 2010 winner Binocular, could hinge on Friday's result.
Anaglogs Daughter 18 Apr 13:40 Most overhyped horse in racing
Bit of a rash statement that, beaten in 1 race, where could easily have won with a different ride,
Anaglogs Daughter 18 Apr 13:40 Most overhyped horse in racingBit of a rash statement that, beaten in 1 race, where could easily have won with a different ride,
Exactly, first real challenge and it gets beat. I hope it wins on Friday but i think its a bridle horse and when they push the button it will be found wanting again against better opposition. I hope i'm wrong but i dont think i will be.
Exactly, first real challenge and it gets beat. I hope it wins on Friday but i think its a bridle horse and when they push the button it will be found wanting again against better opposition. I hope i'm wrong but i dont think i will be.
theyre both machines, i still think dunguib is an outstanding horse and beyond doubt imo he is better than menorah gmooh but whether thats good enough to beat h'fly im not so sure!!
theyre both machines, i still think dunguib is an outstanding horse and beyond doubt imo he is better than menorah gmooh but whether thats good enough to beat h'fly im not so sure!!