Wingatui grey Jackfrost has no excuses going into his quest for a notable jumping double in tomorrow’s Great Northern Hurdle at Te Aroha.
The horse has travelled and worked well since embarking on his quest to add the $125,000 feature to his Grand National Hurdles title.
Trainers Brian and Shane Anderton charged White Robe Lodge staff member and jockey Courtney Barnes with the care of the horse on his northern campaign.
She had been pleased with him, Brian Anderton said.
"Courtney said the horse travelled up there well and she is quite happy with him. He worked over 1200m at three-quarter pace [yesterday] and Courtney was very pleased with him.
"We just have to hope now that he gets a bit of luck in the running."
Jackfrost could bring the Great Northern Hurdles trophy home to Anderton 33 years after the trainer produced Lord Venture to run second in the 1985 edition of the 4200m feature.
Buddy Lammas will substitute for Jackfrost’s suspended rider, Stuart Higgins, tomorrow.
Grand National Hurdles second placegetter Laekeeper and third-placed Second Innings look the southerner’s main opposition.
Jackfrost carried the same weight as Second Innings at Riccarton and was 1kg better off than Laekeeper.
The Wingatui jumper carries 1.5kg more than Laekeeper and 2.5kg more than Second Innings tomorrow thanks to his Grand National win.
Last year’s Great Northern Hurdle winner, Zedeedudadeeko, returns to defend his title after failing in the Grand National Hurdles.
Gallante and Kipkeino did not clash with Jackfrost at Riccarton, but look two of the hardest horses for him to beat tomorrow.
Buddy Lammas will try to guide Shamal to a Grand National Hurdles-Great Northern Steeplechase double. Perry Mason, Chocolate Fish and Old Countess are his main opposition.
