Easywork

With all the talk about Envoi Allen, every word justified, there is a chance that the performance that Easywork put up in finishing second to him in the Ballymore Hurdle has gone under radar. The Gigginstown House horse travelled well through his race behind leader The Big Getaway, a little keen and a little green in places. He travelled well in the slipstream of the leader down the hill and over the third last and second last and, moved towards the far side in the home straight, it was clear that he had The Big Getaway's measure on the run to the last. He couldn't withstand Envoi Allen's finishing surge on the near side, but he kept on well for Rachael Blackmore to finish a clear second.

It was a fine run from Gordon Elliott's horse. He is only six and this was just his fourth run over hurdles, and he still displayed signs of greenness, so there still could be a good bit more to come. Second in the Chanelle Pharma Hurdle at the Dublin Racing Festival on his previous run, and two for two over hurdles before that, he obviously appreciated the step back up to two miles and five furlongs here, and the return to easier ground. He could go novice chasing now and, if he does, he could take a high rank among the staying novice chasers next season.

Cheltenham 11^th March, 2020

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