Getaway Gelding Eyes Cheltenham After Grade 2 Win

Tripoli Flyer (6g Getaway – Collen Beag, by Mountain High) was slashed in price for the Supreme Novices Hurdle after running out an impressive winner of Saturday’s Grade 2 Dovecote Novices’ Hurdle at Kempton.

Runner-up in a Grade 2 bumper last season, Fergal O’Brien came into Saturday’s race having won his last two starts by a combined 40 lengths. Partnered by regular rider Jonathan Burke, he was towards the back of the field and began to make headway turning for home. Producing a challenged before the second last, the bay led soon after and drew clear on the run-in, going on to beat the favourite, Grade 1 second Miami Magic by seven and a half lengths.

“He's got a huge engine,” said the winning trainer. “Johnny said you can put him where you want in a race, he's got an explosive bit of speed about him. If it's nice ground I think he's earned his chance to go to the Supreme. He's won plenty now and definitely deserves a go.”

Bookmakers subsequently shortened Tripoli Flyer from 40/1 to 16/1 for the Cheltenham Grade 1. Bought by his trainer at the Derby Store Sale for €85,000, the son of Getaway is owned by Ismail El Magboub and was bred by James Slattery.