Turnell backing for Bajan

Champion still on the agenda for improving hurdler

Last updated: 6th January 2009   Subscribe to RSS Feed

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Andy Turnell has taken heart from the recent performances of Blue Bajan and believes he could have an each-way chance in the Champion Hurdle.

The seven-year-old finished third in both the "Fighting Fifth" and the Christmas Hurdle last month and is now on course for another Cheltenham trial, the Kingwell Hurdle, next month.

"All being well he'll go for the Champion Hurdle and he may go for the Kingwell at Wincanton on the way," said the Swindon-based handler.

"The handicapper must think he's improving as he keeps putting him up. He's up to 160 now. He got beat at Kempton, but only just. If he keeps progressing a shade he'd be a lively outsider."

Turnell has another Cheltenham contender in novice Michael Flips, who ran out a comfortable winner at Kempton on Boxing Day.

"He's a nice horse and hopefully he'll go for the Supreme Novices," added the trainer.

"He hurt his knee when he got beat at Kempton on his previous start and it knocked him back a bit.

"He's seems pleased with himself now and I think we'll take him straight there."