Brighton handler Gary Moore is one of the most successful dual-purpose trainers in horse racing, as he used to having big race-winners on both the Flat and over the Jumps. With the latter’s latest campaign now in full swing, his focus is on his jumpers.
The biggest week of the year in Jumps racing is the Cheltenham Festival in March, and Moore could have three runners at this year’s meeting, with Botox Has, Haddex Des Obeaux and Editeur Du Gite all with entries.
Botox Has Set to Take His Chance in Stayers’ Hurdle
With an official rating of 152, Botox Has is one of the leading hurdlers in Moore’s stable. The six-time hurdles winner has been entered in the Grade One Stayers’ Hurdle at the Festival. To have a runner in one of the Championship races at the meeting is a big boost for his team.
All 10 runners declared for Saturday’s Howden Long Walk Hurdle! @Ascot
Botox Has
Champ
Crambo
Dashel Drasher
Goshen
Gowel Road
Paisley Park
Red Risk
Blueking D’oroux
West Balboa pic.twitter.com/VgI6oqpxSc— At The Races (@AtTheRaces) December 21, 2023
Botox Has begun the season with victory in a Grade Two contest at Wetherby over a distance of 3m. He stayed on strongly in that race, showcasing his stamina. That was his second victory over the distance, as he also won a Grade Three event over 3m at Haydock last season. His next assignment is set to come at Ascot in the Long Walk Hurdle.
The recent Wetherby winner is 66/1 in the betting for the Stayers’ Hurdle, and those looking to back Gary Moore’s star should consider the best Cheltenham betting offers ahead of the meeting. For example, new customers can get a £30 free bet when they place £10 on horse racing with Kwiff or bet365.
Gary Moore Still Has Grade One Hopes for Haddex Des Obeaux
After recording back-to-back victories at Doncaster and Warwick respectively last season, Gary Moore has been expecting a lot from Haddex Des Obeaux in the latest campaign. Unfortunately for all those involved in the horse, he has yet to prevail in two attempts.
The six-year-old gelding fell on his seasonal reappearance at Cheltenham back in October. He then had to settle for third place of four runners in the Tingle Creek at Sandown. The latter was not a bad run, as he chased home Jonbon and Edwardstone respectively.
Moore is likely to take his chance in the Queen Mother Champion Chase with his talented chaser. He will need to step up on the form he has shown so far, but his best performances over fences may still be ahead of him.
Editeur Du Gite Looking for More Cheltenham Success
With three victories at the course, Editeur Du Gite is already one of Moore’s most successful horses at Cheltenham. His biggest triumph came back in January when he won the Grade One One Clarence House Chase, beating the likes of Edwardstone and Energumene in what was a strong renewal.
WHAT. A. RACE. 😍
A pulsating renewal of the G1 Clarence House Chase with Editeur Du Gite a brilliant & brave winner of the two-mile event for @gl_racing under @niall_houli, getting the better of Edwardstone @CheltenhamRaces pic.twitter.com/wgcA7oNVmv
— Racing TV (@RacingTV) January 28, 2023
Editeur Du Gite is expected to return to Cheltenham on Trials Day for the Grade One contest over the extended 2m distance. If he runs well in that race, Moore is likely to let him take his chance in the Queen Mother Champion Chase alongside Haddex Des Obeaux. With his best performance, he is capable of being competitive in that race, at the very least.
The opening day of the 2024 Cheltenham Festival comes on Tuesday, 12th of March, and the meeting runs through until Friday, 15th of March.
