Jamie Snowden targets Grade 1 Tolworth Hurdle at Sandown with Datsalrightgino after win at Cheltenham
Folly House trainer Jamie Snowden has set his sights on the Grade 1 Tolworth Novices' Hurdle at Sandown in January as the next step for Datsalrightgino after his win at Cheltenham.
The five-year-old won the British EBF "National Hunt" Novices' Hurdle on Friday, finishing ahead of the Colin Tizzard-trained Jpr One by a neck.
Since having a wind operation in the summer, he has won back-to-back races after landing a Novices Hurdle at Fontwell last month.
“It was lovely seeing him win at Cheltenham because he is a horse we have always thought a lot of,” admitted Snowden.
“He finished second in three bumpers last season, which slightly frustrated us that he didn’t manage to get his head in front.
“We did his wind over the summer and he has proved a far better hurdler, winning nicely at Fontwell as well.”
After recent success, the Lambourn trainer is expected to target to Tolworth next month.
“We had half an eye on the Tolworth after winning at Fontwell, so winning at Cheltenham means that race in early January at Sandown is our next target.
“To win the Tolworth you need a staying two-miler and certainly he toughed it out up the hill at Cheltenham.
“I think he has a bit of speed and stamina as well and I think he is a nice horse.”
The Folly House team picked up their 30th winner of the season on Saturday as Hardy Du Seuil landed the Manor Elite Horse Boxes Novices' Limited Handicap Chase at Hereford.
“I thought it was an incredible performance because he was badly hampered at the second last and he had eight lengths to make up.
The leader [Sarasota Star] never missed a beat in front and we made the lengths very quickly and to get up like he did from the position he did shows he has a nice engine in him.
“He only won by a small margin, so we will see where he goes next,” he added. “I always felt he could step up into graded novice company this season, but we’ll make a decision to see if we stay in Novice Handicaps at the moment and then go up, or whether now is the time to make the step.
“It was out 30th winner on Saturday and it’s great to get to that figure before Christmas time, so it’s really exciting.”
Snowden praised the whole team for their efforts so far as he looks to continue the strong start to the season they have had.
“We have made a great start to the season, it was a great autumn and winter and we have a lovely team of staff, horses and owners and it’s exciting for going beyond.
“My head girl, Kate Robinson, has been with us since we started and she is a key part of our team and we also have a wonderful bunch with experience and young people coming through so it’s exciting.”
