Connections are weighing options for Cheltenham winners East India Dock and Burdett Road as they prepare for the Festival in March. Both horses, trained by James Owen for the Gredley family, impressed during the November meeting at Prestbury Park, solidifying their prospects for Festival glory.
Burdett Road had a standout Flat campaign, highlighted by victory in the Listed Godolphin Stakes at Newmarket, and transitioned seamlessly back to hurdles with a half-length triumph in the Greatwood Handicap Hurdle.
East India Dock, a promising juvenile hurdler, has enjoyed a stellar start to his career. Following a winning debut at Wincanton, he dominated the Grade Two JCB Triumph Trial Juvenile Hurdle at Cheltenham, winning by an emphatic 18 lengths.
The Golden Horn gelding holds an entry in the BoyleSports Acca Boost Juvenile Hurdle at Aintree this weekend, though a return to Cheltenham for another Triumph trial in January is also under consideration.
Owner-breeder Tim Gredley explained the strategy:
"The plan is for both horses to have one more run before the Festival, but where that will be, hasn’t been decided. For East India Dock, it’s likely he’ll head back to Cheltenham in January for another trial. Ultimately, we’re aiming for the Triumph Hurdle."
Lavender Hill Mob Eyes Next Steps After Newcastle Debut
Stablemate Lavender Hill Mob made his hurdling debut at Newcastle on Saturday, finishing second to Inappropriate. The three-year-old son of Expert Eye, who has entries over the coming weekend, is also being considered for a Triumph trial at Cheltenham in December.
Reflecting on his debut, Gredley noted:
"He looked rusty after a layoff, especially against rivals who had run recently on the Flat. I hope he’ll come on for the run, and we’ll likely go to Cheltenham for the Triumph trial in a few weeks."
With these talented runners on course for March, Owen and the Gredley family appear well-positioned for a strong showing at the Cheltenham Festival.