Cole Harden Pleasing Warren Greatrex As Newbury Return Nears

Warren Greatrex reports Ladbrokes World Hurdle winner Cole Harden to be in great form as he builds up to his intended return to action in the Long Distance Hurdle at Newbury on November 28.

The six-year-old, who beat Saphir Du Rheu to take the stayers' prize at Cheltenham in March, bypassed a possible return at Wetherby last month to give him more time.

He is expected to gallop at Newbury on Tuesday, possibly with Dolatulo over a mile and a half, and Greatrex said: "Having missed Wetherby with Cole Harden, it has given us more time to get him ready for Newbury."

He went on: "I am very happy with him and he is ready to go.

"He is in great form, but Newbury is not the be-all and end-all. If he is fit enough, he will be good enough to win."

The stable's promising filly La Bague Au Roi is likely to be seen next at Huntingdon.

The daughter of Doctor Dino is unbeaten in two bumper starts, at Aintree and Newton Abbot.

Greatrex said: "The plan with La Bague Au Roi is to go to Huntingdon next month for the Listed bumper there.

"If we don't go there, we will put her away until Aintree in April.

"She is in great form and I think we are only touching the surface with her and she has got plenty more in the tank.

"I think she will handle soft ground, but I am not that keen to run her on it as she is still quite lightly framed and she has a big future."

The trainer revealed recent recruit Out Sam is to be sent over fences.

Formerly with Nicky Henderson, the six-year-old was sixth at Carlisle earlier this month on his first start for the yard.

Greatrex said: "Out Sam will go novice chasing now, although I haven't decided where. He schooled last week and schooled very well, so it is just a case of finding a race for him.

"I was happy with his run at Carlisle. He needed it a little bit more than I thought, we made a bit too much use of him and we will ride him with more restraint next time.

"He travelled like the best horse in the race and he will come on for that."


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