News Anthony Honeyball considers Lily Waugh Cheltenham Festival target

Anthony Honeyball considers Lily Waugh Cheltenham Festival target

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Lily Waugh has several options at the Cheltenham Festival for Dorset trainer Anthony Honeyball.

The nine-year-old mare's three-race winning streak was brought to an end by Smart Talk in a Grade Two at Doncaster last weekend, but her reputation was enhanced.

Connections now need to decide whether to go down the handicap route or run in the OLBG Mares' Hurdle at the Festival.

"She's not had too much of a slog and she picked up some decent money," said Honeyball.

"She'll step back up in trip now at Cheltenham.

"Her options are the Martin Pipe, the Coral Cup, where she would be guaranteed the strong gallop she needs, or the mares' race.

"I think she'd only go for the mares' race if there was no Annie Power or Vroum Vroum Mag, but it's something to consider.

"If she ran in the Mares' Hurdle it's something she could come close in but not win, whereas if she ran in a handicap I think she could win but also run a great race and maybe finish seventh.

"Wherever she runs, it will probably be her last race as she's got black type in bumpers, won over hurdles and fences.

"We'll decide nearer the time."