Cheltenham News: King follows Star to Festival

Latest News / Timeform / 20 February 2012 / Leave a Comment

Raya Star is likely to contest the County Hurdle.

"In all probability Raya Star will now run in the County Hurdle at Cheltenham..."

Raya Star will be given an entry in the Coral Cup as well as the Country Hurdle at Cheltenham after his fine run at Newbury...

A winner at Ascot on his penultimate start, the Alan King-trained six-year-old finished third in the rearranged Betfair Hurdle and will now head to the Festival.

He is likely to run in the County Hurdle over two miles, but King has not ruled out the possibility of stepping him up in trip for the Coral Cup.

"He travelled great and, though I am making no excuses, it's amazing that twice now he has had slow-run races, whereas we have always thought he wants an end-to-end gallop," said King.

"In all probability Raya Star will now run in the County Hurdle at Cheltenham, but we will also enter him for the Coral Hurdle as we have always felt that he would be suited by a step up in trip."

Another King inmate with Festival aspirations is Balder Succes after the juvenile beat his elders emphatically at Ascot on Saturday.

"He will have to go now," added the Barbury Castle handler on his website.

"He is a lovely horse and was very good, but whether we go for the Triumph or take on his seniors again in the Supreme Novices' we will decide nearer the time."

Raya Star, rated 144 by Timeform, is currently available to back at [15.5] for the County Hurdle whilst Balder Succes, rated 141p, can be backed at [16.5] for the Triumph and [30.0] for the Supreme.