Jamie Snowden will take aim at Grade One company with his “classy” Datsalrightgino (6-1) who maintained his unbeaten record over hurdles in the British EBF “National Hunt” Novices’ Hurdle at Cheltenham today.
After making a winning debut over hurdles at Fontwell 26 days ago, the five year old gelding doubled his tally for the campaign when showing plenty of pace late on to capture the 2m 1f contest under Gavin Sheehan.
As the field jumped the last victory looked to be heading the way of last time Exeter scorer JPR One. However, he was reeled in close to the line by Datsalrightgino who got the better of his rival in a tight finish to score by a neck.
Afterwards Lambourn trainer Snowden hinted that an outing in the Unibet Tolworth Novices’ Hurdle at Sandown Park (Saturday 8th January) would be next on the agenda for Datsalrightgino, who was introduced at 33-1 for the Sky Bet Supreme Novices’ Hurdle at the Cheltenham Festival by both Betfair and Paddy Power.
Snowden said: “We’ve always liked him and we couldn’t believe that he didn’t win a bumper, but it’s not about bumpers it is about jumping. He has always taken well to jumping.
“He ran well at Fontwell the last day and I thought that was probably the second best bit of hurdling form on offer behind Washington. We can’t be afraid of taking them on. We like him and thankfully he came good.
“It was a bit of a sprint near the end but he is not short of speed. He picked up from the back of the last and stayed galloping all the way to the line.
“I think we will probably go to the Tolworth next. I think he is a nice horse that will go on any ground. He gallops, he jumps and he has got a bit of speed. He is classy.
“We gave him a wind operation in the summer as I couldn’t believe he didn’t win a bumper. He jumps very well and it is exciting. He is a good horse.”
