Nicky Henderson's Cesarewitch winner Buzz has been ruled out of returning at Aintree next month but instead will be targeted at a flat campaign.
The eight year old last year started to turn into the horse the Seven Barrows yard thought he could become and they will be hoping he can return in similar form in 2023.
Having been a superb winner of the Cesarewitch at Newmarket in October 2021 and before that, two seasons ago finishing second in the Grade One Aintree Hurdle, he has always been a smart horse.
A very taking winner of the Grade Two Coral Hurdle when last seen in November 2021, he unfortunately picked up a pelvis injury in the build up to his run in the Grade One Long Walk Hurdle.
Set to be aimed at the staying hurdles division when back on the track this season, Buzz only being an nine year old was still thought of very highly.
Buzz lands the £250,000 Cesarewitch Handicap!
— Racing TV (@RacingTV) October 9, 2021
Champion @oismurphy foils William Buick in a thrilling finish for @sevenbarrows and @ThurloeThbreds at @NewmarketRace pic.twitter.com/eUK7dno75o
However, having missed the 2023 Cheltenham Festival, he will now miss the Aintree Grand National Festival and instead be targeted at returning on the flat.
(Credit ATR) “We are working away with Buzz, I think really concentrating on a Flat campaign,” said Henderson.
“That would be the most likely scenario.“He is not quite going to be ready for Aintree, anyway. It would be tough to throw him straight into a Grade One.
“So I think we will be looking, as long as the weather holds on for a bit in the summer, at the Flat.
“But he is in good form and it is great to have him back in action. He’s enjoying himself, anyway.”