Sober Glory in the frame for Sandown Listed target

Plans are beginning to fall into place for Philip Hobbs and Johnson White’s smart squadron of novice hurdlers, with Sober Glory poised to be first back into action at Sandown on Tingle Creek day.

Sporting the silks of Greatwood Hurdle-winning owners Brocade Racing, the smart five-year-old enhanced his reputation when remaining unbeaten at Chepstow on his hurdles debut and could now tackle the Betfair Exchange Claremont Novices’ Hurdle in Esher.

White said: “We’ve got at least three smart novice hurdlers and most importantly they have all come out of their races well and will all be running in the next month or so.

“I would suspect Sober Glory will head to Sandown on December 6.”

As well as Sober Glory, both Starzand and Captain Hugo have also created deep impressions with their respective hurdling introductions and could now be tested at the highest level, with connections keen to keep their aces apart for the time being.

“Where they go and what trip they want, we need to speak with the owners and jockeys and see how is best to keep them apart for as long as possible,” added White.

“I’m thinking the Formby Hurdle (at Aintree on Boxing Day) for Captain Hugo and the Challow (Hurdle, Newbury on December 29) for Starzand, but they are all just pencilled in at this stage.

“The horses are healthy and well and more importantly we have a better quality to look forward to and try to enjoy some nice days.”