Ok Corral Update

Ok Corral Update

Connections of Ok Corral have issued that the latter is set to have one more run, in preparation for the Cheltenham Festival in March.

Where that could be is unknown - perhaps at Newbury, to strengthen his claims for either the RSA Novices Chase, or more likely stepping up markedly in trip for the National Hunt Chase over four miles.

The 9yo is considered one of the big Festival fancies, after successfully knocking down his rivals one-by-one in the Hampton Novices Chase at Warwick on Saturday.

(Credit: Sky Sports Racing) Frank Berry, racing manager to owner JP McManus said: "He put up a good performance, jumped well and did it nicely.

"He'll probably have another run in early February. The four-miler at Cheltenham is a possible target - it depends how he gets on in his next run," he said.

Corral made the most of his weight advantage against Rocky's Treasure - who had only lost once in five over the larger obstacles beforehand (to Santini), when staying on well past Kim Bailey's charge three-out, who was held and could give no more.

With Secret Investor crashing through the last, it effectively handed the race to the JP McManus gelding, but it was a masterpiece from both the horse and jockey Derek O'Connor.

Stamina assured, he looks to have the perfect credentials for the National Hunt Chase over four miles, where he is now as short as the 3/1 favourite.

Henderson can rely once again on Derek O'Connor, as the four-miler consists of amateur riders exclusively.