Saturday’s Elite Hurdle under consideration for top prospect Global Citizen
Ben Pauling could turn his star hurdler out quickly after a good run at Ascot last weekend
TOP HURDLING prospect Global Citizen could tackle the Elite Hurdle this weekend.
The Ben Pauling-trained five-year-old was a Grade 2 winner last term and made an encouraging reappearance at Ascot last Saturday.
The gelding jumped well but gave way late on when second to Fidux under top weight at the Berkshire track.
Pauling is keen to get the horse out again quickly, with a run in the £60,000 Elite Hurdle at Wincanton a strong possibility.
Pauling said: "He just got tired at Ascot on Saturday and that was quite apparent.
"He jumped brilliantly and travelled beautifully. He has come out of the race well and I couldn't be happier.
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"Whether or not we go there (Wincanton) depends on how he is this week.
"There is a a view that we could run him in the Greatwood Hurdle at Cheltenham if not.
"I think the Elite would be a good race for him as it would be very much his grade and we know he is going to improve for that run.
"He is the right sort of horse for that race."
A total of 12 entries have been made for the Elite Hurdle, including the Nicky Henderson-trained pair We Have A Dream and Verdana Blue.
Exciting six-year-old If The Cap Fits could make his reappearance for Harry Fry after he missed the second half of last season through injury.
County Hurdle hero Mohaayed is one of four contenders for Dan Skelton alongside Embole, High Secret and Peppay Le Pugh.
Redicean, Air Horse One, John Constable and Smaoineamh Alainn complete the list.