John Hales has top six aim for Neptune Collonges outing
Friday 25th November 2011, 10:59AM GMT.
Leading Shropshire owner John Hales kicks off a crucial fortnight in his National Hunt season tomorrow when he sends Neptune Collonges into Hennessy Gold Cup battle.
The 2008 Cheltenham Gold Cup third makes his seasonal re-appearance in the 3m 2f grade three handicap at Newbury having to carry top weight.
The 10-year-old’s 11st 12lbs burden is eased somewhat as jockey Harry Derham, the recently turned professional who is also nephew of trainer Paul Nicholls, will claim seven pound.
But Cosford-based Hales admitted his 10-year-old grey still faces a major battle. “Neptune will get the trip and has worked well and if he can finish in the top six, it will be a great performance,” he said.
Hales insists he has no qualms about giving 17-year-old Derham the ride, adding: “Harry is going to be a very talented jockey and has schooled Neptune a lot.”
Tomorrow’s Newbury spectacle kicks off an important two weeks for Hales, whose Cheltenham Festival Supreme Novices’ Hurdle winner Al Ferof heads to Sandown on Saturday week for the Henry VIII Novices’ Chase for his second run over fences.
Noland, who also won the Supreme in 2006, goes for the Peterborough Chase at Huntingdon on December 8 ahead of a likely outing in the King George on Boxing Day.
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