Beltor stakes Triumph claims with Adonis win

BetBright Cheltenham Festival Fund Adonis Juvenile Hurdle (Grade 2) 2m, 4yo

Beltor, purchased by EBS for 30,000 GNS, at Tattersalls October Horses-In-Training Sale, looks to have given second season trainer, Robert Stephens, a horse to help him make headlines after an impressive performance in Kempton's Adonis Juvenile Hurdle on Saturday.

The Adonis has a fine record of producing JCB Triumph Hurdle winners and Beltor was trimmed to 12-1 (from 33) by Betfair Sportsbook for the Cheltenham Festival, while Betfred went 14-1 (from 40). Ladbrokes were 16-1, but soon had to go to 12-1.

Formerly trained by Stephens' old boss Sir Mark Prescott on the Flat, he was a smooth winner on his debut over hurdles at Ludlow last month and followed up in style when dismissing All Yours and Bivouac.

"His work has always been very good," said Stephens, who trains a handful of horses from Penhow near Newport.

"His win at Ludlow was encouraging and he'd come on since - he's done that very nicely.

"It's massive for us in our second season training to come to meetings like this and win Grade 2s.

"It's realistic to dream about Cheltenham and the nice gallop there will help him settle."

Winning rider Tom O'Brien added: "I can't wait until they go faster for him. He's done that very easily and is a credit to Robert and his wife Rosie - brilliant.

"I think better ground will help him as they'll go faster and he'll be able to settle. He's earned a crack at the Triumph and I'm really looking forward to Cheltenham."

Beltor - owned by Alison Mossop - returned at 3-1 and will be seeking to emulate Zarkandar, Soldatino and Penzance, who have completed the Adonis-Triumph double in the last ten years.

Taken from www.racingpost.com