3 minute read
Flooring Porter could bid for a third Stayers’ Hurdle, instead of remaining over fences.
The absence of Constitution Hill has been far-reaching, with the well-fancied Irish Point expected to switch from the Stayers' Hurdle to the Champion Hurdle. If Irish Point defects, the Stayers' Hurdle becomes an open content and trainer Gavin Cromwell is keen to capitalise on the opportunity with his two-time winner.
Successful in the Stayers' Hurdle in 2021 and 2022, Flooring Porter embarked on a novice chase campaign this season, commencing with a victory at Cheltenham. He has been well-beaten in two Graded races since, including a third behind Grangeclare West in the Grade 1 Neville Hotels Novice Chase.
"We are leaning towards the Stayers' Hurdle. That isn't 100 per cent confirmed, but with Irish Point looking likely to go for the Champion Hurdle, that might just seal it," said Cromwell, during a stable tour for attheraces.com.
"We had a really tough preparation for Cheltenham with him last year as he missed a month after Christmas, but he still ran really well. We've had a much better preparation with him this year.
"It's a very competitive race, but if he brought his best form to the table, he'd be entitled to be in the mix with the best of them."
Cromwell also announced that Perceval Legallois, current second-favourite for the Kim Muir, would not travel over from Ireland for the race due to the mark allocated by the British handicapper.
"We've decided not to run him at the Cheltenham Festival," he added.
"The British handicapper was very tough on him, so we'll stay at home with him."