Tycoon Prince

It might be astute to retain some faith in Tycoon Prince, despite his defeat in the Grade 3 For Auction Novices’ Hurdle at Navan on Sunday.

Gordon Elliott’s horse wasn’t suited by the sedate early gallop. He had made all when he won his maiden hurdle at his first attempt at Punchestown in October, but the plan here was to settle him in behind, presumably with the objective of teaching him to settle, with bigger objectives on his horizon. Unfortunately, there was no obvious pacemaker in Sunday’s race, and when they quickened at the top of the home straight, the Gigginstown House horse was caught a little flat-footed. He did keep on, but he appeared to be done for pace by the winner Three Stars and the runner-up Thomas Hobson.

The Trans Island gelding remains an interesting prospect, however. Impressive in winning all four of his bumpers last season – he was kept away from the Cheltenham Bumper with the future in mind – he was again impressive in making all to win on his debut over hurdles at Punchestown last month. He jumped a little to his left there, which was not ideal at right-handed Punchestown, but which will not be a negative now back at another left-handed track. Seen as a Supreme Novices’ Hurdle prospect, there is lots of stamina in his pedigree, and it may be that a step up to two and a half miles will bring about more improvement. He remains a good prospect for this season over hurdles, and for steeplechasing in the future.

8^th November 2015