The ‘one-time’ Hennessy could be first major target for Masaccio next season

March 14

Second-season novices have a good record in the Coral Gold Cup – still referred to locally at Newbury as the Hennessy – and Alan hopes that this week’s Cheltenham third Masaccio might next November be able to emulate Smad Place, who won Berkshire’s principal steeplechase so impressively for Barbury 10 years ago.

Delighted with Masaccio’s third to Jagwar in the ThamesATrader Plate on the opening day, Alan said:”Even before Tuesday we had been considering stepping him up to three miles, and he was staying on well enough over that two and a half to suggest that is the route we should take.

“We’ll have a look whether there is anything suitable at Ayr or Aintree, though I think Ayr might be too sharp a track for Masaccio. However, I am keen to try and find another race before the end of the season, preferably over three miles, and I’d also like to give him a prep-race for Newbury come next autumn.

“Long-term we could be looking at all the major long-distance races, as Masaccio is such a relaxed horse that he gives himself every chance of staying any trip.”

Alan was a regular visitor to Hexham  in the 80’s, when he worked for John Wilson, who is maybe best remembered for finishing second to West Tip in the 1986 Grand National, having jumped the penultimate fence in front.

So Alan did not think twice before confirming Betterforeveryone and Dickens for the five hour plus horsebox journey to Northumberland earlier this week, and the trip was not in vein as both horses won.

Alan said:”I knew from my days with John how stiff a track Hexham is, and the four-mile marathon trip was always going to suit Betterforeveryone, who is all about stamina, while Dickens was travelling well when he tipped up at Uttoxeter last time and looked a likely lad for the two-mile handicap hurdle.”

It’s been an up-and-down week for Alan, and it was a bitter pill to swallow at Doncaster today, when Irish Chorus, looking home and hosed as she approached the last in the mares novice hurdle, capsized when 10 lengths clear.

And to rub salt into the wounds just 10 minutes earlier stablemate Mount Olympus had been pipped a neck by the favourite in the maiden hurdle at Fakenham,

But with Es Perfecto also having run so well at Cheltenham on Tuesday the signs are looking promising for Barbury as we plan the final six weeks of the season,