Yes Sir to represent Bowen at Cheltenham
Peter Bowen has ruled Genghis out of the Greatwood Handicap Hurdle at Cheltenham on Sunday.
The six-year-old, last seen finishing second behind Rooster Booster at Huntington in October, will play no part in the Grade Three feature at Prestbury Park, leaving Yes Sir as Bowen’s likely sole representative.
Genghis will now be primed for a tilt at the Grade One Pertemps ‘Fighting Fifth’ Hurdle at Newcastle on November 26.
“It was a shame about Genghis (he was not quite right), but the ‘Fighting Fifth’ will be a nice opportunity for him,” Bowen said
However, the trainer is still confident Yes Sir can do his stable proud at Cheltenham.
A winner of seven races over timber, the six-year-old was last seen finishing well behind Racing Demon in a novice chase at Exeter last week when a blunder at the first and fourth effectively put paid to his chances.
“He hit those fences and that was the end of that run at Exeter,” explained the handler.
“He just sort of slipped on landing so that’s not a major problem and there should be more to come.
“He’s in good form and I think he’ll go well.
Meanwhile, Bowen is relishing the prospect of seeing Ballycassidy return to action later in the month.
The nine-year-old, who finished third behind Tango Royal on his last outing at Market Rasen in July, is reported to be in flying form ahead of a possible assignment in the Hennessy Gold Gold Cup on November 26.
“He’ll probably go for the Hennessy, all being well,” confirmed Bowen.
“He was never right last year but he’s a different horse now and has been working well at home.”
