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Opus Energy Novices' Hurdle |
Steps To Freedom On Road to Festival
11/11/11
1 Steps To Freedom 11/8F
2 Prospect Wells 9/2
3 Ericht 3/1
9 ran Distances: nk, 2½l, 7l
TIME 3m 57.70s (slow by 5.70s)
Steps To Freedom could head straight to the Festival meeting after edging out Prospect Wells in the Opus Energy Novices' Hurdle at Cheltenham.
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There was a strong Irish challenge for the Grade Two contest and Jessica Harrington's five-year-old was sent off the 11-8 favourite after winning his only two starts over obstacles at Fairyhouse and Punchestown.
Robbie Power sat just on the heels of Prospect Wells and Ericht, and his mount produced a stinging finish to beat the former by a neck.
"He's had a long summer and we might just put him away until Cheltenham now, maybe with just a prep run on the all-weather," said Harrington. I think he's good. He showed today he handled the course and he had to battle."
Steps To Freedom is now a general 10-1 chance for the Supreme Novices' Hurdle next March.
Of Prospect Wells, trainer Paul Nicholls said: "I heard the winner was good, but I'm pleased with my horse. He maybe idled a bit in front, but hopefully he can keep improving."
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Position |
Horse Trainer |
Jockey Weight |
Starting Price Beaten Distance |
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1 |
Steps To Freedom Mrs J Harrington |
R M Power 11st 7lbs |
11 - 8 Winner |
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2 |
Prospect Wells P F Nicholls |
D A Jacob 11st 4lbs |
9 - 2 Neck |
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3 |
Ericht N J Henderson |
B J Geraghty 11st 0lbs |
3 - 1 2 1/2 lengths |
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4 |
Flycorn T Hogan |
J L Cullen 11st 4lbs |
33 - 1 7 lengths |
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5 |
Ohio Gold C L Tizzard |
J Tizzard 11st 0lbs |
9 - 1 3/4 length |
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6 |
Redera A J Martin |
R Walsh 11st 7lbs |
12 - 1 9 lengths |
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7 |
Absolutlyfantastic H de Bromhead |
A E Lynch 11st 7lbs |
16 - 1 4 1/2 lengths |
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8 |
Sublime Talent Evan Williams |
Paul Moloney 11st 4lbs |
33 - 1 11 lengths |
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9 |
Gumball P R Webber |
D Elsworth 11st 0lbs |
100 - 1 33 lengths |
