Timesremembered set for Neptune Investment Management Novices' Hurdle at Cheltenham

Cheltenham hosts the second of Neptune Investment Management's eight-race Road To Cheltenham series of novices' hurdles on Saturday, November 16.

 

The £30,000 Grade Two Neptune Investment Management Novices' Hurdle, run over two miles and five furlongs, has attracted 17 entries, including Timesremembered, from the Hampshire stable of Emma Lavelle.

The five-year-old posted an easy six-length win in the Grade Two Persian War Novices' Hurdle at Chepstow over two and a half miles on October 26 and made a winning debut for the handler in a two-mile Uttoxeter maiden on October 6.

Lavelle reported today: "Timesremembered is a likely runner at Cheltenham. He has done really well since Chepstow and I think this race will give us an idea whether we should be aiming him at The Festival and whether this is the right trip for him.

"He has always worked well at home and we felt that it was worth a crack at the Persian War after he won at Uttoxeter. He jumped much better last time and really needs a lead in his races.

"He was great when he was in behind runners at Chepstow but started to make mistakes when he was left out in front on his own. He was out in front for so long at Uttoxeter that every hurdle seemed to get in his way.

"It was good at Uttoxeter and soft at Chepstow, so I think all ground comes alike to him. My gut feeling is that his ideal conditions are good ground or just on the soft side of good over two and a half miles.

"We have still got to plenty to learn with him, which is quite nice. He has definitely got a big engine and Saturday's race will hopefully teach us a bit more about where we are with him, how good he is and whether this is the right distance for him."

Other notable entries for Saturday's Neptune Investment Management Novices' Hurdle include Limerick Grade Three scorer Indevan, from the stable of Ireland's champion Jump trainer Willie Mullins, impressive Uttoxeter winner Ballyalton, point-to-point graduate Port Melon from the Paul Nicholls stable and Oscar Fortune, who has won his first two starts over hurdles for Jonjo O'Neill.

About the series

The Neptune Investment Management Novices' Hurdle series consists of eight races throughout the Jump season, culminating with the Grade One Neptune Investment Management Novices' Hurdle at the Cheltenham Festival in March.

It has proved not only an outstanding showcase for young hurdling talent but also a stepping stone to those that go on to shine at the highest level in open company, whether over hurdles or fences.

The Cheltenham Festival winners under Neptune Investment Management's sponsorship are The New One (2013), Simonsig (2012), First Lieutenant (2011) and Peddlers Cross (2010), while winners of the series races include last season's Cheltenham Gold Cup hero Bobs Worth.

Now one of the leading corporate sponsors of British racing, Neptune has increased its sponsorship portfolio to include four races on the Flat in the summer, including two of the most prestigious trials for the Ladbrokes St Leger, the Gordon Stakes at Goodwood and the Great Voltigeur Stakes at York. 

2013/14 Neptune Investment Management 

Novices' Hurdle Series

Friday, October 18, 2013 - Cheltenham - Won by Saint Roque, owned by Chris Giles & Ian Fogg, trained by Paul Nicholls and ridden by Daryl Jacob.

Saturday, November 16, 2013 - Cheltenham

Friday, December 6, 2013 - Sandown

Wednesday, January 1, 2014 - Cheltenham

Saturday, January 11, 2014 - Warwick

Saturday, January 25, 2014 - Cheltenham

Saturday, February 15, 2014 - Ascot

Wednesday, March 12, 2014 - Cheltenham Festival

Neptune Investment Management Limited ("Neptune")

Neptune is an independent investment management company founded in May 2002. More than 75% of the company is owned by its employees and directors.

           

Neptune's expertise lies in equity fund management. At the core of the fund range is a team based approach to research which encompasses macroeconomics, global industry sector analysis and rigorous stock selection.

Neptune's funds can be held within a pension, ISA, Junior ISA or simply invested in directly*.

To learn more about Neptune, visit www.neptunebigideas.com.

Neptune Investment Management Limited is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority. FCA number 416015.

*The value of an investment and any income from it can fall as well as rise as a result of market or currency fluctuation and you may not get back the original amount invested.