Musselburgh target for Bardenstown Bardenstown Lad could return to action at Musselburgh next month after being given a break by trainer John McConnell following his victory at Cheltenham in October. The County Meath handler is eyeing the Scottish Stayers’ Novices’ Hurdle at the Edinburgh venue on February 5 for his promising seven-year-old. Bardenstown Lad took his tally to three wins from four starts over the smaller obstacles — and four in six under Rules — when making his stamina tell over three miles at Prestbury Park. “He had a little break after Cheltenham,” said McConnell. “He’s back in training now and there’s a good chance he might come over for the Cheltenham Trials weekend. “I think there’s a stayers’ novice hurdle for him.” McConnell operates at a healthy 27 per cent strike-rate at the Scottish venue currently.
