'He didn't lack speed' - Sortudo cut for Cheltenham targets following comfortable victory on hurdling debut

It was a perfect introduction to hurdles for last season’s Champion Bumper seventh Sortudo as he powered clear in the 2m maiden hurdle to win impressively for champion trainer Willie Mullins.

Mullins said he was an “Albert Bartlett type” during a recent stable tour, but he didn’t appear short of speed in the course of his comfortable victory under Danny Mullins. 

Supported into 8-15 despite the presence of 2024 Champion Bumper third Jalon D'Oudairies, Sortudo pulled eight and a half lengths clear of his main market rival. 

It will be interesting to see where he turns up next, as Paddy Power reacted by cutting him two points to 16-1 for the Albert Bartlett, while he was cut to 25-1 for the Turners over a shorter trip.

“He had very good bumper form, but it’s nice to get the job done,” said the winning rider. “He had an introduction there over two miles, and he didn’t lack speed. He’s maturing well and I think going further won’t be out of the question. It’s one of those usual conundrums for Willie to decide where he goes next.”

De Grugy disappoints

The 2m5f mares’ beginners’ chase looked a sizzler at the declaration stage, but following the late withdrawal of last season’s Albert Bartlett second The Big Westerner, the path looked clear for multiple Grade 1 winning hurdler Jade De Grugy to hand the Mullins camp a double on the card.

Tackling fences for the first time, the 2-7 favourite jumped adequately and showed few signs of trouble until turning in, when Danny Mullins quickly got lower in the saddle and attention switched to consistent mare Kala Conti, who was travelling best. She quickly pulled clear of the pursuing Farfromnowhere, while Jade De Grugy trailed in a well-beaten third.

The Gordon Elliott-trained Kala Conti, a four-time winner over hurdles, shaped as if fences can be a fruitful avenue for connections.

“I was riding my own race but was always in and around the same area as Danny, so I had a good eye on him,” said Jack Kennedy. “She was consistent over hurdles, but the way she jumps a fence I think there could be more to come.”

Kings rule the weekend

Grey Jude capped an extraordinary two days for brothers Connor and Daniel King, as his victory in the 2m maiden hurdle made it two wins from the only two horses in the stable, following the Grade 2 triumph of Oscars Brother on Saturday. 

Making all under Daniel, the 5-2 chance fended off the late challenge of the Kennedy-ridden favourite Master Haku to win by a head. 

“I've two horses at the moment so it was a good weekend, and we’ll have a quiet week next week,” laughed Connor King. “It’s great to get today out of the way, and I’m in no rush with Grey Jude. 

"I’ll try to do as well as I can with the two I have and we’ll see what happens.”

Read more here

'I’ve cleared all the racecourses now' - Sean Bowen completes full set of winners at every British jumps track 

Looking for free bets? Racing Post have got the best offers, all in one place. Visit racingpost.com/freebets to find out more.