Vinndication wins the Sidney Banks Novices’ Hurdle at Huntingdon
Kim Bailey is considering both Cheltenham and Aintree for Vinndication after his charge ran out a stylish winner of the Sidney Banks Novices' Hurdle at Huntingdon.
KIM BAILEY has another exciting novice on his hands for the spring festivals after Vinndication maintained his unbeaten record with a smooth success in the Sidney Banks Memorial Novices' Hurdle at Huntingdon.
Bailey's bright prospect took the step up to Listed class in his stride, with David Bass putting pressure on his five rivals from four out.
The Warren Greatrex-trained Western Ryder was the only one able to keep tabs on the 5-2 favourite, but Vinndication pulled clear of him to run out of a convincing winner by three and a quarter lengths.
Bailey said: "He is still to me a complete baby. He was more switched on than he was last time.
"Even when he hit the front he didn't know what to go and do. Logically, I would rather go to Aintree than Cheltenham but I just need to see how he is.
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"We are a month away from Cheltenham. I know where the owners would like to go but I have got to look after the horse.
"At this time last year he was standing in his stable so he has come an awful long way in a short space of time. He is a good horse.
"Temptations are there to be put in front of you and refused on occasions. He has got the two entries (in the Ballymore and the Albert Bartlett). I wouldn't think he will go three miles. We will let Red River do that one.
"It is all very well stepping up to three miles but that would have taught us nothing.
"He needed to learn and he needed to know what life was all about. He is a really good-action horse and I think he will be better on better ground."
Lambourn trainer Greatrex has the Ballymore in mind for runner-up Western Ryder.
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He said: "I still think on better ground he will be better as it just nullifies that kick he has.
"Richard (Johnson) is pretty keen for the Ballymore as he stayed every yard of that.
"OK, you have got Samcro but you shouldn't be afraid of one horse and that race might just cut up more.
"I'm pretty sure he is better left-handed. You are disappointed not to win but when you see how far some really good horses are behind it could be they are two very good horses."