Sunday 11 June 2017

London Prize boosts long-term Cheltenham claims after Goodwood romp

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Ian Williams' London Prize enhanced his flat and hurdle form after an impressive victory in handicap company at Goodwood.

Williams missed out on the Cheltenham Festival with the six-year-old, who instead went to the Imperial Cup where he won by a length ahead of Nicky Henderson's Fixe Le Kap.

The Scottish trainer insisted he would 'benefit from a break', after a month off the track following his eighth place finish in the Swinton Hurdle at Haydock.

He stayed midfield throughout the race, before leading when travelling strongest and was pushed clear under James Doyle to enjoy an eight length success.

Remarkably the two-time hurdle winner looked to have plenty left after crossing the winner's post at the Sussex track, and could appear in the 2018 Cheltenham Festival.

Sternrubin, who dead-heated in the Ladbroke in 2015, could only finish third for Phillip Hobbs.

The Northumberland Plate or Ascot Stakes could be next on his agenda, before he should campaign back over hurdles.

His principal target could be a return to the Imperial Cup, or he could be tested in the County Hurdle at the 2018 Cheltenham Festival.

On the nature of his victory, he may even have a crack at some of the higher grade races in March's showcase.

1 comment:

  1. I was told to watch London Prize this season but gave up after his Swinton flop at Haydock. You live and learn!

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