Change of tactics for Jezki in Champion Hurdle
Tony McCoy expects Jezki to be ridden more prominently when he contests the Stan James Champion Hurdle.
Last Updated: 12/02/14 2:09pm
Jessica Harrington's charge was last of four behind Hurricane Fly in the Irish Champion Hurdle at Leopardstown last month, but McCoy feels they have been getting their tactics wrong.
Whether McCoy will be on board at Cheltenham is another matter though, as he could also ride Nicky Henderson's My Tent Or Yours, who will now head straight to the Festival after skipping a possible prep run at Kelso this week.
"Hurricane Fly was very impressive when winning the Irish Champion Hurdle and he is still the one they have to beat at Cheltenham," McCoy wrote on his blog for Cheltenham racecourse.
"People will question the form and say Captain Cee Bee was not beaten far, but you have to remember that Hurricane Fly was in trouble coming to the last and still won by a length and a half.
"He keeps on winning and until that changes, he is the one to beat. I rode Jezki in the race and we finished fourth, but looking back we have been riding him wrong as he wants two and a half miles and I think positive tactics will see him to much better effect.
"If he is more positively ridden in a strong-run Champion Hurdle, then he has definitely got an each-way chance.
"JP (McManus) also has My Tent Or Yours in the Champion Hurdle, but I will be leaving a decision on who I ride until the last moment. Things are very much up in the air at the moment and I probably won't make the choice until the day before."
A total of 11 horses stood their ground for the race at the latest forfeit stage.
Former winner Rock On Ruby, who is on target for the Arkle, the sidelined Cinders And Ashes and Grandouet, another Arkle hope, are no longer under consideration.
Willie Mullins has four contenders in Hurricane Fly, Annie Power, Un De Sceaux and Thousand Stars and there were no surprise withdrawals.