ESHER, ENGLAND - DECEMBER 02: Richard Johnson riding Fingal Bay (L) clear the last to win The Neptune Investment Management Novices' Hurdle Race from Simonsig (R) at Sandown racecourse on December 02, 2011 in Esher, England. (Photo by Alan Crowhurst/Getty Images)
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Philip Hobbs says that Neptune Investment Management Hurdle market leader Fingal Bay will head straight for the Cheltenham Festival without a prep race.
Fingal has been the 'hot tip' among the wise racing heads for weeks and the man they dub 'the master Trainer' is perfectly happy with what he's seeing at home.
A winner of his three outings this term Fingal looks a class act and is out to confirm the form with Simonsgig, whom he beat last year.
Said Hobbs: "If we could have found a race for him that would have been fine, but there really aren't any in February and to be honest it doesn't really matter much.
"He's in good shape and we are now ready to take him straight to Cheltenham and are looking for a big run."
Fingal Bay is 4/1 to win the Neptune Investment Management Hurdle, with Simonsgig 8/1 and Monksland 10/1.
Meanwhile, Hobbs hasn't given up hope of Menorah making an impact on the Arkle Chase which sees Sprinter Sacre as one of the hottest favourites for many years.
He said: "He's a good horse, but we know Sprinter is exceptional don't we. However, the fact remains that Nicky Henderson's horse has to do it on the day."
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