JAMIE MOORE can look to some high profile rides in Graded hurdles over the Festive period, with GOSHEN the one he reckons could be the ace in the pack on Boxing Day.
The recent Grade 2 Coral Ascot Hurdle victor steps up the three miles for the rescheduled Grade 1 Long Walk Hurdle at Kempton, with the rider confident his mount will see out the extra yardage.
He observed: “I’m happy with Goshen. The Long Walk looks the right race, and while I’d like to see more rain there’s a fair amount forecast on Friday. Kempton can deceive you a bit ground-wise, as the winter course is quite wide but I think it will ride soft.”
“He’s the young pretender and it will be interesting to see how he gets on over three miles. But I wouldn’t swap him for anything and I’m certain he will stay.” Jamie had to choose between Goshen and Haydock scorer BOTOX HAS, and admitted it was tough to make the call he did.
He added: “Botox Has is rated 150 and has done really well since Haydock. He stays three miles well and has improved for a step up in trip. While he’s a lively danger, it was a choice that never really qualified as a choice because Goshen is very close to me.”
The day after Boxing Day PERSEUS WAY will be Jamie’s main focus of attention in the Grade 2 Finale Hurdle at Chepstow. The Ollie Harris-owned chestnut has acquitted himself well in two outings over hurdles since joining the yard from Owen Burrows.
He finished second on jumps debut at Cheltenham before cosily going one better at Leicester and the jockey commented: “It’s a race we won last year and looking at the entries it will be competitive, though there’s not a standout horse amongst them. If he progresses as he’s done so far he would have to go well.”
As the Christmas programme is so diverse, Jamie will miss the ride on GIVEGA, who goes to Fontwell in favour of the Challow Hurdle at Newbury. He continued: “It’s unfortunate that I can’t ride him. He really impressed me at Lingfield, and I doubt he will be beaten round Fontwell.”
HANSARD used his speed to get the job done in stunning fashion on debut for the stable at Huntingdon. He survived a market drift to bolt up and will now run over a stiffer track.
Jamie opined: “He goes to Leicester on December 28th and it looks like there will be a lot of runners.”
“He pleased me with his schooling on Wednesday. He’s in good shape and I hope he will be less keen running on a more galloping track. I knew he would find it on a speed track but this will be a different ball game, as at Leicester it’s a long straight with a steady climb to the line over the last three furlongs.”
