Gordon Elliott’s Minella Crooner, pre-race favourite for Novice Albert Bartlett, will miss the race as a consequence of a good muscle.
The final runner-up within the top quality was in Leopardstown at two miles and 6 furlongs, and six-year-old David Barnard had received three of his 5 races below the principles and completed second within the different two.
Nevertheless, Elliott described the setback as “irritating” however “not severe” and hopes to be again in time for the remainder of the Spring Festivals.
“He tightened our muscle groups and clearly we had been solely 5 days out of the competition,” Elliott mentioned.
“It is not a nasty factor, however we’ll solely miss a number of days and once you miss a number of days in that point, you will not get there.
“It is irritating, however that is the match we’re in. We simply preserve our heads up and get as many gamers there as we will.
“Half the battle is getting them there in good condition. I think about he’ll be again for the Spring Festivals, as a result of it is nothing too severe.”
Daly has not decided concerning the Hillcrest race
Hillcrest is unbeaten in three video games over the hurdles this season
Hillcrest was backed by Henry Daly at a 3/1 favoring Albert Bartlett after information of the Minnella Croner setback, however coach Henry Daly has but to substantiate his plans.
The seven-year-old was enjoyable to make connections in further research periods with Olympic gold medalist Laura Collette as Daly tries to enhance his leap.
Daly mentioned, “He is tremendous, it has been a superb session. He had some classes at Laura final week and the week earlier than. Whether or not it helps him leap or not, the proof of the sweet shall be within the consuming. However he discovered superbly yesterday and we’re very proud of him.”
On Hillcrest’s choices at Cheltenham – he is additionally entered the Ballymore Starters hurdles – Daly added: “We’ve not determined but. Almost definitely it is going to be Albert Bartlett, if we go there.
Olympic gold medalist Laura Collette (centre) is introduced in to assist Hillcrest leap
“Cheltenham, like I mentioned, will not be all with this horse. If not, it might be Aintree (Sefton Novices), we have not made that call.
“Irrespective of the race, regardless of the journey it’s, it is like all of these issues, it is a championship race and none of it’s straightforward.
“We are going to decide in direction of the tip of the week. I’ll converse with Mick (Majer, Racing Director) and see how we proceed.”
