Big day for . . . Issaquah.

Byline: Tom Boyle

ISSAQUAH'S rise has been recognised by the handicapper, but although trainer Malcolm Jefferson has been a fan for some time, he is not getting carried away with Cheltenham Festival dreams just yet.

The daughter of Supreme Leader contests the GTG Training More battle Hurdle (1.40 Kelso), having been raised to a mark of 130. She started off on 102, but has yet to be fully tested.

The seven-year-old, who will be ridden today by 7lb claimer James Halliday, began her handicap hurdle career at Kelso in November and was raised 15lb for a seven-length triumph over Tartan Snow. That was not enough to prevent another comfortable win, this time by four lengths, eased down, over Rich Lord at Haydock last time.

Issaquah is entered for the Totesport Trophy at Newbury next month, and the David Nicholson Mares Only Hurdle at the Cheltenham Festival has been mooted as a possible target, but her trainer is not making any long-term plans just yet.

"I've thought quite a bit of her for a while," said Jefferson. "She did well in bumpers. We'll see how she goes at Kelso, get her back and then think about the next step.

"I've been in the job too long to make long-term plans, I wouldn't waste my time.

"I've had the family for a while and I could see her getting further, some have got two miles and stepped up to three."

Jefferson added: "She's as fit as a flea - I wish I was as fit. She is in great order and progressing. Although she's gone up quite a bit, the ground won't bother her and I expect a big run.

"If she wins I've given her an entry in the Totesport Trophy and then I'd have a think about where we go.

"I'd love for her to get some black type as the owners are good friends of mine. They've had a lot of fillies who haven't raced and it would be a good boost for the family."

CAPTION(S):

Issaquah: entered for the Totesport Trophy at Newbury next month