The exciting and unbeaten Jonbon has been given a choice of options at the Cheltenham Festival in March, with connections looking to firm up definite plans nearer the time.
The J P McManus-owned gelding took his undefeated run to four under rules when landing the Grade 2 Rossington Main Novices Hurdle over two miles at Haydock Park last weekend.
Jonbon given a real test
Ridden more patiently than on his previous two wins over hurdles this season, Jonbon had to be shaken for the first time to see off Richmond Lake and Might I, both of whom were in the receipt of 5lb.
Jonbon is now 7/2 for the Supreme Novices' Hurdle, with fellow Nicky Henderson trainee Constitution Hill at 2/1 in the Grade 1 over two miles which starts the four-day Festival meeting.
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In addition to that, the son of Walk In the Park has been given an entry in the following day’s Grade 1 Ballymore Hurdle over two miles and five furlongs.
He has yet to race that far under rules, but did land a point-to-point over three miles in Ireland in 2020.
No rush to make choice
Frank Berry, racing manager to J P McManus, said: "Jonbon got the job done at the weekend and you can only go and beat what's there.
"It was a fairly good race and he won without getting overly excited about it. I believe Nicky felt he came out of the race well."
He added: "He's been given an entry for the two races at Cheltenham and Nicky will make the call on where he goes closer to the time."
