Harry Redknapp is banking on a second attempt at Cheltenham glory with Taurus Bay, a horse that could provide much-needed strength in depth for his stable as he bids to win the prestigious blue-ribbon event for trainers.
The five-year-old, who was purchased by Redknapp's team for £155,000 at last year's Cheltenham sales, made a strong impression when winning a Grade Two novice hurdle contest, and Ben Pauling is now looking to build on that success in today's Grade Two AIS Novice Hurdle.
While many of the market leaders in the Champion Hurdle betting are trained by top-class stables such as Nicky Henderson and Dan Skelton, Pauling believes that Taurus Bay could prove a major threat. "I think Taurus Bay is very smart," he said, "but we are going from two miles to two and a half miles on what will be very testing ground and hopefully he will stay."
With many of the market leaders in the Champion Hurdle having one or more hurdles before Cheltenham, Redknapp's stable has the opportunity to get another horse involved in the biggest jumps event in the country. While the win in the AIS Novice Hurdle is far from a guarantee, it could be an important stepping stone for Taurus Bay as he prepares for the main event.
In contrast, Sir Gino, who is one of three Henderson-trained market leaders on the card, has struggled to get his head down over fences after a recent fall and may need to prove himself again in the International Hurdle. Dan Skelton's The New Lion will also be seeking his first win over fences, but the five-year-old has more scope for improvement than many of his rivals, according to Timeform ratings.
As Trials Day at Cheltenham gets underway, Redknapp and his team will be hoping that Taurus Bay can provide them with the strength in depth they need to go all the way in the blue-ribbon event.
The five-year-old, who was purchased by Redknapp's team for £155,000 at last year's Cheltenham sales, made a strong impression when winning a Grade Two novice hurdle contest, and Ben Pauling is now looking to build on that success in today's Grade Two AIS Novice Hurdle.
While many of the market leaders in the Champion Hurdle betting are trained by top-class stables such as Nicky Henderson and Dan Skelton, Pauling believes that Taurus Bay could prove a major threat. "I think Taurus Bay is very smart," he said, "but we are going from two miles to two and a half miles on what will be very testing ground and hopefully he will stay."
With many of the market leaders in the Champion Hurdle having one or more hurdles before Cheltenham, Redknapp's stable has the opportunity to get another horse involved in the biggest jumps event in the country. While the win in the AIS Novice Hurdle is far from a guarantee, it could be an important stepping stone for Taurus Bay as he prepares for the main event.
In contrast, Sir Gino, who is one of three Henderson-trained market leaders on the card, has struggled to get his head down over fences after a recent fall and may need to prove himself again in the International Hurdle. Dan Skelton's The New Lion will also be seeking his first win over fences, but the five-year-old has more scope for improvement than many of his rivals, according to Timeform ratings.
As Trials Day at Cheltenham gets underway, Redknapp and his team will be hoping that Taurus Bay can provide them with the strength in depth they need to go all the way in the blue-ribbon event.
so redknapp is basically saying he's got a dark horse here, taurus bay, who could totally pull off a major upset... but let's be real, we've seen this before and it never pans out 
still gotta give pauling props for believing in his horse tho... the question is, can taurus bay handle the extra distance? if he stays sound, he might just give those fancy-pants stables a run for their money 
So I'm watching this news about Harry Redknapp's horse and it's just so cool how he's trying again 
, but at the same time, you gotta think about the odds – £155,000 for a five-year-old is a pretty big risk 
. And what if Taurus Bay doesn't make it to Cheltenham? That'd be bummer 
.
. It's like they're trying to put together this whole puzzle and see if they can get the blue-ribbon win 
. And Pauling says Taurus Bay is "very smart" 
, which is kinda inspiring 
.
. So fingers crossed for Redknapp and his team 
, think he's got a good chance if he stays strong over those longer fences... Redknapp's gonna be super happy if he can get that strength in depth his stable needs 
, and it'll be sick to c how Pauling builds on that Grade Two win last yr 
. Ben Pauling is low-key genius for seein potential in him and investin the right amount 
. And omg, I'm so glad Taurus Bay gets to go from 2 miles to 2.5 miles - what could possibly go wrong with that? 