Bailey could target Festival date for Happygolucky
HAPPYGOLUCKY showed stamina is his forte as he returned to winning ways in the International Decorative Surfaces Novices’ Chase at Cheltenham.
Appearing to appreciate the step up to three miles for the first time under rules, the Kim Bailey-trained six-yearold went one better than his previous start at Fakenham by adding to his debut success over fences at Stratford.
Moving into a decisive advantage between the last two fences, the 13-8 favourite, who finished fourth in the Martin Pipe at the Festival in March, kept on gamely to hold the fast-finishing The Mighty Don by three and threequarter lengths.
Andoversford-based Bailey said: “I think the other horse (Getaway Trump) was on a going day at Fakenham. We jumped the last and the rail wasn’t by the fence and he hung to the left, and that is what cost him that race.
“I’m very pleased as he jumped very well. He is a proper trainer’s horse as he is not very big, but just a very athletic individual.
“He got there far too soon. He got a long one at the third last and landed in front, which he shouldn’t have done. He was committed, really, and he got lonely in front. He has done well.”
Bailey hopes Happygolucky, who was introduced at 33-1 for the National Hunt Chase by Skybet, will return to the Festival in March.
He added: “I’d certainly like to be here back in March – what in, I don’t know. He would stay as long as you want, probably. A lot will depend on what the ground is like.
“There are a lot of very good horses around and he is probably not quite in that (former RSA Chase) league yet. I think he is probably happier lefthanded, so there are plenty of nice races to look at.”
Bailey was then delighted to see Balleticon make a successful return from a 705-day absence in the starsports.bet 20K Owners Club Guarantee Maiden Hurdle at Southwell on Sunday.
Runner-up in two of his three bumper starts, the six-year-old had not been seen since finishing fifth at Bangor almost two years ago.
Hot favourite Mocacreme Has loomed up looking a big danger before leaving the back straight, but Balleticon refused to yield and proved three-anda-half lengths too strong.
Bailey said: “I’m absolutely thrilled and a big thank you goes to my head lad George Savill. He rides this horse every day and he is far from an easy horse, I promise you.”