Sports Betting
Harry Fry Hoping to Cause an Upset with Boothill but Admits he has a bit to find with Jonbon and Edwardstone
The Grade 2 Schloer Chase at Cheltenham revolves around Jonbon and Edwardstone, but trainer Harry Fry believes Boothill has earned his spot in the race, despite having a bit to find on figures.
Harry Fry // Image Credit: Jake Wilkes
The team will be hoping wind surgery in the Summer and natural progression will help spark improvement to reduce the seven-length gap to Jonbon when last seen.
Fry: Boothill Deserves His Chance
“He certainly deserves his chance. On ratings he has a bit to find, not just with Jonbon but with Edwardstone as well. He was a good fourth in the Celebration Chase at Sandown; he goes to Cheltenham, and we’ll take our chance and hopefully be competitive. If the best version of Jonbon and Edwardstone turn up then we have a bit to find, but we’ll just focus on our race and hopefully he runs well,” Fry told SportsBoom.com.
The yard also sends progressive chaser In Excelsis Deo to the Paddy Power Gold Cup on Saturday, with Fry believing we will see the best of him over his preferred trip.
Fry stated: “He was consistent all last season and won at the track in April, so we go there with a chance for sure. We felt he would win at the minimum trip, and he would have done if he stayed up at Sandown, but we knew he would appreciate a step up in trip at some point. Forget his last run at Galway, that was over before it started, but he is in good form at home, and we are looking forward to him taking his chance.”
The Dorset based team have begun the season well, and had a long trip made worthwhile when Might I won a competitive handicap hurdle at Bangor-On-Dee.
Fry Aims For Cheltenham Return
A return to the Cheltenham festival will likely be the long-term aim for this talented eight-year-old and Fry is hoping this success on seasonal re-appearance will give him the confidence to win again.
A delighted Fry said: “He is a horse who has showed plenty of ability, but we haven’t always seen the best of that on the racecourse. In fairness today he’s got in a good rhythm, he enjoys passing horses at this stage of his career and Bryan gave him a lovely ride.”
“We just felt the momentum was with him up the straight so great to get his head in front, hopefully he has a bit of confidence from that, and we can build on it.”
“He doesn’t want any less than two mile four, in these conditions it was perfect, but he’ll go further in time.”
Elsewhere Fry provided updates on two exciting horses we are yet to see this season, due to the lack of soft ground at the courses.
We are planning to run Altobelli next weekend, there is a race at Exeter. Like a lot of ours we are just waiting for some genuine soft ground, but he is good to go.
Harry Fry
“Gidleigh park is also entered at Exeter in a beginner’s chase, I’d love to run him there but unless the weather changes then that’s unlikely. I’m desperate to get a bit of experience into him over fences, but he’s ready to go, been schooling nicely, just another that is waiting for the weather to change.”
Jake Wilkes is a 3rd year Sports journalism student at the University of Gloucestershire and is a Horse Racing writer for Old Gold Racing, Cheltenham Post and Gloucestershire Live. Jake has contributed to preview evenings for big events such as the Cheltenham Festival and filmed personal insights into different stables. Jake’s hard-working and friendly persona allows him to source exclusive quotes and interviews with high-profile industry experts.