Klub De Reve takes flight in Dovecote

Klub De Reve displayed a fine turn of foot to once again show his liking for Kempton in the Ladbrokes Dovecote Novices’ Hurdle.

A winner at the track on Boxing Day, Harry Derham aimed at this Grade Two prize and he was rewarded in kind.

His task was made a little easier by the fall down the back straight of Double Measure as Koktail Bleu led them into the straight.

Nicky Henderson’s Mustang Du Breuil had been the subject of strong market support and tried to track Klub De Reve but he had no answer to the Paul O’Brien-ridden 7-2 chance.

“I sensed initially he was one for Liverpool, but I did say to his owners we’d leave him in the Supreme just in case he did something silly like win the Dovecote – well he’s done that now!” said Derham on Racing TV.

“My gut feel is that it might come just a bit soon, we’ll have to see how he is, he did back up pretty quickly from Exeter to Kempton at Christmas so it’s not impossible.

“It’s really satisfying because we’ve been patient with this horse and he’s really starting to improve and he’s making into a really nice type.

“They are a long time in handicaps and if we can stay in good novice company as long as we can – I hope one day he’ll be running in a Paddy Power Gold Cup or something like that. If so graded experience at this time in his life will really stand to him, chasing could make him better.”