Connections mull Whiteoak target

Connections of Whiteoak will wait until nearer the time before deciding whether to let the mare take on the boys in the Smurfit Kappa Champion Hurdle at Cheltenham next month.

The six-year-old won the David Nicholson Mares Hurdle at last year's showpiece meeting and heads the ante-post market for the same race this time around.

However, her comeback second to Ashkazar in the Kingwell Hurdle at Wincanton earlier this month has left her team pondering a tilt at the hurdling crown instead of defending her title.

"We haven't made a decision yet and I think we'll wait until nearer the race, subject to ground and so on," said trainer Donald McCain.

"I spoke to the owner last night and we're certainly not scared of running her in the Champion Hurdle.

"The hard thing is when you are favourite for another race at the Cheltenham Festival and going elsewhere but I do think she is over-priced for the Champion when you look at the form of her last run.

"When you think what price Ashkazar is and we're 4lb better off with him on a track she has already won on. We beat Punjabi and OK he is going to come on for the run, but no more than us.

"The only reason not to run in the Champion is the fact that she's 3-1 favourite for another race. It's a great problem to have and I'm enjoying having it - to a point!"

McCain admits the Champion Hurdle is also a draw because of Whiteoak's potential future as a broodmare once her racing career is over.

"That absolutely has to come into it and the owner does want to breed off her, that is why he bought her in the first place," McCain continued.

"It's not so much of a value thing because I don't think he would sell her but if she were placed in a Champion Hurdle then it all adds to her kudos.

"We've won a David Nicholson with her and I'm not saying I wouldn't be thrilled to win another, but she's a very good mare and she is a big price for the Champion as I've said.

"We'll sit down with Jason (Maguire, jockey) nearer the meeting, take everything into account and make a decision."