Lady handed Nicholson mission
Kentford Grey Lady
With opposition to reigning champion Quevega starting to look thin on the ground, Emma Lavelle is keen to run Kentford Grey Lady in the OLBG Mares' Hurdle (for the David Nicholson Trophy) at Cheltenham.
The six-year-old came off second best against Violin Davis in a Grade Two at Ascot last time out but Lavelle is convinced that had the race been run at a stronger gallop, she would have emerged the winner.
Lavelle believes a good gallop is almost guaranteed in the Festival heat and while admitting toppling the odds-on favourite may be tough, an each-way berth is achievable.
"Touch wood, she's a definite runner in the David Nicholson," said Lavelle.
"There might not be many taking on Quevega, but I understand Swincombe Flame might be so that adds another bit of depth to the race.
"The more water they put on, the better it will be for her and I'm sure there'll be a stronger gallop than in the Ascot race.
"If you ran that race 10 times I'd argue we'd come out on top more than we'd lose, but just on the day they went no gallop. She's growing up now and is turning into a lovely mare.
"Obviously Quevega is going to be very hard to beat but I'd hope we'll be picking up some prize money.
"She'll definitely jump a fence in time, but my gut feeling is she'll stay over hurdles next season as there's plenty of money to be won in the mares' hurdles races."
