Jeremy Scott could target the Ladbrokes Christmas Hurdle with Golden Ace if the race looks to fall short for another high-profile contender.
The admirable mare proved once again that jumping is the essence of the game and once again took full advantage of her main rivals failing to complete Newcastle’s Fighting Fifth Hurdle this weekend, just as she did in the Champion Hurdle in March.
Scott believes jumping is now her biggest asset and while the International Hurdle in January remains her most likely next target, she could be diverted if the Boxing Day match at Kempton Park looks too unopposed.
“She came out really well and we couldn’t be happier,” said Scott.
“When you see her jump the last time like she did, it’s a little scary because she doesn’t get any height at all, but she flips her front legs up and wastes no time.
“I think this is what has improved the most, she actually traveled really well on Saturday, but it was her smoothest jumping round.
“I have always been convinced that she will remain very good, but last season we lost quite a bit of speed. I think we have regained it now. She is better than we had her last year.”
Golden Ace’s second win in the premier class came after a puzzling season performance at Wetherby, which still baffles Scott.
He said: “For Wetherby I was convinced we had her almost as good as she had ever been and she went and ran as she did. When I saw her there I thought, ‘I clearly don’t know what I’m talking about.’
“It was a big relief to see her bounce back. It was just a shame that everything went wrong for the other two, no one wants to see that. We all want Constitution Hill to be a superstar, I felt very sorry for Nicky (Henderson) and Mr (Michael) Buckley (owner).
“I really thought we were going to move away from the other two (Anzadam and Nemean Lion) at the point where her endurance came into play there.
“We initially said we should stick to the original plan and go for the International in January and then the Champion.
“While I’m not sure Kempton would be her ideal track, I don’t know many others who go there. I’ve seen Sir Gino mentioned, but if I thought that was a relatively soft target we could run there and forget about the International. It might be worth a look.”
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