Horse Racing: Malcolm Jefferson alone in praying for rain

Published on Wednesday 25 November 2009 22:44

UNLIKE most trainers this weekend, Malcolm Jefferson is hoping for more rain ahead of the WBX.COM "Fighting Fifth" Hurdle at Newcastle for Cape Tribulation.

The Grade One event is set to feature a stellar cast with current ante-post Champion Hurdle favourite Binocular, second favourite Solwhit and former Cheltenham winner Sublimity due to do battle.

Jefferson won the race in 1998 and 1999 with Dato Star and feels Cape Tribulation has the potential to hold his own at that level after a promising novice campaign last season.

"Cape Tribulation would need it very soft, especially over two miles," said the Malton handler. "He's got the class for a race like this but it's whether he has the class for two miles, that's the big question.

It's a hot race. I'm undecided at the moment."

Meanwhile, Ruby Walsh is excited about the prospect of teaming up with Denman in Saturday's Hennessy Gold Cup, despite the fact he is forced to carry top weight. Paul Nicholls' chaser landed the race in 2007 off a handicap mark of 161 but having subsequently won the Cheltenham Gold Cup he is forced to race off 174 this weekend.

"I can't wait to ride him," said Walsh. "He's got a huge weight and a huge task in front of him on Saturday but I can't see too many other horses being up to it really."