Native one in a million :: Horse Racing News

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20:53 Thursday 9th February 2012

Updated: 15th March 2010

Native one in a million

PA News

Noel Meade and his team can be forgiven if they are a little more nervous than usual ahead of Go Native's bid for glory in the Smurfit Kappa Champion Hurdle.

As well as statistics being against them - no horse has won the Supreme Novices' Hurdle and Champion Hurdle in consecutive years since Bula in 1970-71 - there is an extra £1m bonus on the line. His victories in the Fighting Fifth and Christmas Hurdles have set him up for the final leg of the WBX.COM Hurdling Triple Crown.

"Everything is good, the horse travelled great, he's in great order and I couldn't be happier with him. It's all systems go. He looks great, he had a little breeze out on the track and he was nice and fresh. His last piece of work was pretty good all right, we were very happy with it," said Meade.

Alan Fleming's Starluck was runner-up to Go Native in the Christmas Hurdle and showed his well-being with victory on the all-weather at Kempton two weeks ago.

"He's very well and we're nearly there now. Hopefully he'll perform as good as he can," said the Dorking trainer.

"We were really happy with his prep race at Kempton and the horse is ready so hopefully all goes well. A smallish field will suit him. It's easier to ride horses off the pace when there's a smaller field and there's sure to be plenty of pace on. We just need a bit of luck."

Last year's runner-up Celestial Halo has been well held by the reopposing Khyber Kim and Solwhit on his two most recent outings and owner Andy Stewart is not expecting fireworks from his 10-1 chance.

He said: "I think you can put a line through last year's one-two-three as they have not really franked the form since. Go Native sets the standard and he is the one we have all got to beat."

Trainer Paul Nicholls retains the faith, adding: "I am happy with him and he is definitely a spring horse, as he has proved winning a Triumph and by his run in the Champion last year. He was very impressive first time out this year.

"He ran well in the Greatwood giving weight away to Khyber Kim and Medermit, and on that form he would have every chance. The blinkers have made a big difference to him at home. I have been happy with the way he is working and he has a chance in a race which looks wide open."