Trainer Gary Moore will start his stable star Goshen off at Cheltenham in the Grade Two International Hurdle after the trainer withdrew his stable star from the Grade Two Ascot Hurdle last Thursday ahead of his intended seasonal bow over timber.
Goshen was a model of consistency during the jumps season and raced three four times over timber and going on to win his three events by a combined 68 lengths before his dreaded fall at the Cheltenham festival in the Triumph Hurdle being 10 lengths clear facing the last flight.
Since then he has not been seen in the jumps sphere but has raced twice on the flat and with the yard looking to exploit his mark of 88 it did not quite pan out with two lesser runs, which saw him beat easily in both events.
Interesting words recently from Gary Moore surrounding GOSHEN...
— The Winners Enclosure (@TWEnclosure) March 17, 2020
"I think he is a Champion Hurdle horse and that's how I'll be training him."
He's currently 6/1 for the 2021 renewal 📈
Anyone tempted to back him at this stage?! 🤤
🎬 @AtTheRaces pic.twitter.com/t6z8xeGQYF
After swerving the Elite Hurdle at Wincanton, Moore earmarked the Ascot Hurdle as the next stepping stone in this superstars career but once again the gelding was pulled out at the final declaration stage, due to not scoping right for a second time in a row.
Moore gave the four year old an option in the Fighting Fifth on Saturday which would have seen him take on Champion Hurdle winner Epatante, but having been taken out of the entries for the Newcastle Grade One on Monday, Moore has now located the international as his starting step.
“Everything’s fine. There’s nothing wrong,” said Moore.
“Hopefully we’ll see him in the International. We’ve decided to wait for that.
“I’m very happy with him so far.”