McConnell’s Rising Star Heads Up Set for Cheltenham Test, While Veteran Seddon Recovers From Aintree Fall
John McConnell is preparing a promising lineup of horses for upcoming challenges, with Heads Up poised for a significant step up in class at Cheltenham on Friday. The five-year-old,a runner-up in the Champion Bumper at the same track in March,is looking to build on a accomplished start to his hurdling career.
He made a winning debut over hurdles at Listowel in September, displaying powerful travel despite a few early jumping errors. Now, he’s set to tackle the Grade Two Albert Bartlett Novices’ Hurdle, a demanding race over two miles and five furlongs. This represents a considerable increase in both distance and competition.
Trainer McConnell Confident in Heads Up’s Progress
“He’s good, and barring any last-minute issues, he’s heading to Cheltenham for the Grade Two,” McConnell stated. He acknowledges the challenge,noting it’s a significant jump from his Listowel victory.
However, McConnell is optimistic, emphasizing Heads Up’s improved schooling and overall well-being. “He’s in good nick and schooling well, so we’re going there hopeful he can be competitive.”
Furthermore, McConnell believes this race will provide valuable insight into the gelding’s future distance preferences. “He’s done a lot of schooling as his last run and is much sharper with his jumping. I’d imagine his trip will be longer than two miles ultimately, so this will be a good guide.”
Moon D’orange Awaits Suitable Ground at Newbury
mcconnell is also carefully considering options for Moon D’Orange, with the Coral Gold Cup at Newbury a potential target.The key factor is ground conditions.
“We haven’t realy had the ground we need for him yet,” McConnell explained. “We want soft ground, and we just haven’t had it.”
He remains hopeful that conditions will improve, potentially leading to an entry in the prestigious Newbury race. “He’s in the Coral Gold Cup, and there’s every chance we’ll go there if the ground is soft.”
Seddon Uninjured After Aintree Fall
Stable stalwart Seddon, a versatile 12-year-old, experienced a fall at the Chair fence during the Grand Sefton at Aintree last weekend. Fortunately,the experienced gelding escaped injury.
McConnell attributed the fall to challenging sunlight conditions. “Unfortunately, the sun was a big factor in the Sefton on saturday. There was a big shadow at the Chair, and he took off there instead of where he should have.”
He was relieved the fall was not serious. “He had an easy fall, so thankfully he’s OK, but the Chair should probably have been taken out.”
Seddon is now recovering well and is expected to return to action in a veterans’ chase. “He’s absolutely fine, so he’ll end up going to one of the veterans’ chases, maybe the one at Cheltenham in December.”
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