Conman John is gearing up for a return to Cheltenham after finishing third in the Albert Bartlett Novices’ Hurdle this past Saturday. The five-year-old, trained by Lucinda Russell and Michael Scudamore, entered the three-mile Grade 2 race as the favorite, boasting a record of 11 wins and 10 losses following an impressive showing at Prestbury Park in October. Despite narrowly missing out, finishing just half a length behind the top two, the performance was encouraging for his team, who are targeting the Albert Bartlett race at the Cheltenham Festival.
Scudamore reflected on the race, suggesting that giving the horse three pounds might have been a slight disadvantage but noted that Conman John finished with considerable credit. Looking ahead, Scudamore mentioned several options, with Cheltenham in March as the main goal, considering it the ideal dream for the horse. While the Haydock Grade 2 race is an option, the team is leaning towards skipping that to keep Conman John fresh for Cheltenham. They were pleased with his effort, remarking on how well he traveled during the race.
Though Conman John will need to improve further for the March festival, his youth and potential for performing well in a faster-paced race are promising. The team is excited about his future, hopeful that he has a bright path ahead.
Fan Take: This update is thrilling for horse racing enthusiasts as it highlights a promising contender ready to make waves at Cheltenham, one of the sport’s premier events. If Conman John continues to develop, he could become a standout star, adding excitement and depth to the competitive Novices’ Hurdle field.
