'Hard as nails' Vinndication cut for spring targets after Huntingdon strike

Vinndication, described as 'hard as nails' by trainer Kim Bailey, enhanced his credentials for the spring festivals with a comfortable success in the Listed Sidney Banks Memorial Novices’ Hurdle at Huntingdon on Wednesday.

The five-year-old was cut into 16-1 from 33s for the Ballymore Properties Novices’ Hurdle on March 14 which is his favoured target at the Cheltenham Festival.

But Aintree is as likely a destination for Vinndication who made it four wins from four starts since landing a bumper at Ludlow in November.

Bailey said: “Logically I’d prefer to go to Aintree rather than Cheltenham but we’re a month away from Cheltenham and I know where the owners would like to go!

"Temptations are there to be put in front of you and to be refused occasionally. I’ve got to look after him, he’s come a long way in a very short space of time. He’s a good horse.

“He’s got the two entries at Cheltenham but I wouldn’t think we’d go three miles. I’ll let Red River do that one.

“We’ve said for a long time he’s our best novice and he justified it today. He’s as hard as nails and from day one has wanted to be good.”

Sent off the 5-2 favourite, Vinndication, dropping slightly back in trip to tackle two and a half miles, was always prominent under David Bass as Equus Secretus set the early pace among a field of six with 11 wins between them from 17 starts.

Western Ryder, whose unbeaten record ended in the Tolworth Hurdle last month, was held up towards the rear before a move down the back straight to join the leaders.

Equus Secretus faded away first followed by the rest as Vinndication and Western Ryder pulled clear turning for home.

But it was the Bailey-trained hope who was soon in control as he took a two-length advantage into the second-last flight and powered away for a three-and-a-quarter-length success from Western Ryder.

Vinndication is owned by a 12-strong syndicate that includes former Haydock and Aintree clerk of the course Philip Arkwright and professional golfer Seve Benson.

Bailey added: “We’ll see how he comes out of the race but to me he’s still a complete baby. He was more switched on today than last time but even when he hit the front he didn’t know what to do."

Trainer Warren Greatrex was delighted with runner-up Western Ryder, who bounced back from a disappointing run in the Tolworth to finish well clear of the remainder in second and the Ballymore at the festival is very much on his radar.

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