Grand National Festival: Ivanovich Gorbatov can spark Anniversary celebrations

David Metcalf | April 5, 2016

Ivanovich Gorbatov can Triumph again

Ivanovich Gorbatov looked pure class when winning the Triumph Hurdle and looks a worthy favourite to follow-up at the Grand National Festival in the Grade 1 Anniversary 4-Y-O Juvenile Hurdle at Aintree (14:15).

The Aidan O’Brien trained gelding was a very useful sort on the flat and looked an exciting recruit to the National Hunt scene when winning on his debut over hurdles at at Leopardstown’s Christmas meeting.

Ivanovich Gorbatov travelled strongly throughout and, after challenging on the bridle at the last, showed a smart turn of foot on the run-in to easily beat Let’s Dance by just over two lengths.

It was a most taking performance, but Ivanovich Gorbatov failed to build on it next out at the same venue when only fourth in a Grade 1 when sent off odds-on.

Good ground the key

Connections believed the heavy ground was against him, and Ivanovich Gorbatov proved that to be the case when bouncing back to win the Triumph at last month’s Cheltenham Festival.

The well-bred son of Montjeu was given a supremely confident hold-up ride by Jockey Barry Geraghty and, after being produced to challenge at the last, quickened well on the run-in to beat Apple’s Jade by a cosy 1 1/4 lengths.

Ivanovich Gorbatov won with more in hand than the winning margin suggests, and is already being talked about as a leading contender for the 2017 Champion Hurdle for which he is currently 8/1 with Coral.