Conman John likely to head straight to Cheltenham Festival

Conman John is pencilled in for a Cheltenham return after his third-placed finish in the Albert Bartlett Novices’ Hurdle at the track on Saturday.

The five-year-old, who is trained by Lucinda Russell and Michael Scudamore, went into the three-mile Grade Two the 11-10 favourite following success at Prestbury Park in October and was beaten half a length when conceding 3lb to the two horses ahead of him.

Despite defeat the performance still offered plenty of encouragement for connections, who are now considering sending their charge directly to the Albert Bartlett itself at the Cheltenham Festival.

“It looked a nice race beforehand and perhaps giving away 3lb was just a bit too much on the day, but I think he comes away with plenty of credit,” said Scudamore.

“We’ll see what we do now, we have a couple of options. Obviously Cheltenham in March is the target for most people and that would be the dream.

“There is a Grade Two at Haydock in between, but I would say it’s more likely that we go straight to Cheltenham in March and get him nice and fresh for that.

“He’s done nothing wrong, he travelled well and we were very happy with him.

“He’s going to have to improve again come March, but he’s still a young horse and a stronger gallop will probably suit him too.

“He’s an exciting horse and we’ve hopefully plenty to look forward to with him.”