Connections of Punjabi believe they have the right horse to pocket the WBX Triple Crown, and with it the £1 million bonus.
Henderson hurdler handed tough assignment
Connections of Punjabi believe they have the right horse to pocket the WBX Triple Crown, and with it the £1 million bonus.
Saturday's 'Fighting Fifth' at Newcastle is the first leg and the Nicky Henderson-trained five-year-old is on course for the race, with the Christmas Hurdle next on the agenda.
Punjabi ran on strongly to finish third in last season's Champion Hurdle, and the race is very much part of the gelding's plans, especially if he wins the first two legs of the treble.
"Before the end of the summer we had targeted the race and think the horse should be suited by Newcastle," Tony Stafford, racing manager to owner Raymond Tooth, said.
"He showed improved form on the Flat this summer and don't forget he beat Mad Rush at Newmarket who is now rated 22lb higher.
"This would make us rated at least 100 if you took the form of the race at face value.
"The 'Fighting Fifth' is perfect timing for us and we think the track should suit.
"We know he acts at Kempton and, having finished third in the Champion last year, we have to be confident about him performing well at Prestbury Park.
"The three races make up the WBX Triple Crown and we are all out to win it.
"We hope to have Barry Geraghty on board as he rode Punjabi at Cheltenham and at Punchestown last season."
