EMMA LAVELLE cant wait for Paisley Park to strut his stuff in the Ladbrokes Long Distance Hurdle next week.
The top trainer had a season to remember with her star stayer last campaign – and reckons this year could be even better.
Speaking at Newbury this morning, where her stamina-laden top notcher paraded in front of a members-only crowd, she told Sun Racing: He looks a stronger horse this year and its taken him slightly longer to get ready.
Next week has always been the target. We want to extend his season at the other end rather than overburning him early on.
I brought him in late because I knew we were going to do that but in actual fact weve needed all the time possible to get him back.
Winner of the Sun Racing Stayers Hurdle last season at the Cheltenham Festival, the seven-year-old has been absent ever since.
However, an extra year on his back has seen him become more relaxed, and Lavelle hopes he can continue to mature.
She continued: When we brought him to Newbury last time he was like a tiger, it was mad. It turned out it was so good for him as now hes so relaxed.
Hes so laid back about life in so many ways. If hes in front hes pricking his ears and not doing much, but the other side of him is that if you give him a squeeze he responds.
As far as the future goes, I think well always stay over hurdles. Theres nothing to gain by going over fences. The key is to keep him healthy.
Hes so exciting.
Paisley Park isnt the only Lavelle inmate going places.
The Marlborough handler saddled Hang In There to victory in the Grade 2 Supreme Novices Hurdle Trial on Sunday, and his future looks decidedly promising.
She added: He did it really nicely.
These races are hard to assess at this time of year but the second is a smart horse and the front two finished clear of the rest.
You look at him and hes got a good, long action so I think hell be even better on faster ground.
Im not sure where he goes next but Im looking forward to it.
