Exeter: 'She's a very smart mare' - Bonttay trimmed for Cheltenham Festival after easy win
Bonttay emerged as a contender for the Mares' Novice Hurdle at the Cheltenham Festival after brushing her opposition aside in the 2m½f mares' maiden hurdle.
She is now as short as 20-1 for the contest on March 16 after kicking clear of Nothingtochance to win by seven and a half lengths under Connor Brace. It was the six-year-old's first success over hurdles after looking a classy prospect in bumpers when winning twice at Cheltenham.
Winning trainer Fergal O'Brien, who also part-owns the daughter of Westerner, said: "We think she's a very smart mare. She wasn't straightforward today so there could be some improvement but it was a good run and we're very happy.
"I own her too so that halves the pressure – I'm an easy owner! Her other part-owner, Cedric Brookes, has been a very good man over the years so it's great to share the win with him.
"We'll definitely look at the Mares' Novice Hurdle – She loves Cheltenham."
Sam scores
Sizable Sam has a name that suggests he will be better suited to chasing than hurdling, and he recorded a first win over fences in the 3m novice chase. The Jeremy Scott-trained eight-year-old justified 10-11 favouritism to win by a length under Lorcan Williams.
Milestone win
Jordan Nailor rode out his claim with success aboard Top Of The Bill in the second division of the 2m7f handicap hurdle.
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