After an eight length win at Chepstow Gumball is being backed for Cheltenham success.
Gumball has been cut for the Triumph Hurdle at Cheltenham Festival following an impressive win at Chepstow. The Phillip Hobbs-trained horse was available at 25/1 pre-race but has been cut down to 16/1 following his impressive performance.
The three-year old travelled powerfully throughout before pulling clear of the well-regarded Malaya of Pual Nicholls in the home straight. Winning by a cool eight lengths, his high cruising speed was evident throughout even if his jumping left a lot to desired on occassions. Jockey Richard Johnson said after the race "I was quite disappointed he didn't jump quite as fluently as the other day at Stratford. He travelled really nicely, I didn't think we'd gone that quick”. Seemingly with more in the tank, Gumball looks likely to step up again in class on his next start.
An authoritative win from Gumball who scores in fine style at @Chepstow_Racing under @dickyjohnson77: pic.twitter.com/VoqmfTekzk
— At The Races (@AtTheRaces) October 15, 2017
Now favourite for the Triumph, with all bookies reacting and offering 16/1, trainer Phillip Hobbs has targeted the novice hurdle at beginning of November at Weatherby next.
Oddschecker spokesman, George Elek “The form of his Stratford win was certainly questionable with both the owner and trainer admitting as much, but the manner of Sunday's victory over a well thought of Paul Nicholls runner is certainly hard to ignore. It's still very early days in the national hunt season but connections certainly have the right to dream of success at the Cheltenham Festival in March. Bigger and tougher assignments lie ahead but Gumball looks a horse full of potential for the season ahead.”
