David Pipe hasn't let defeat to Goshen dampen his spirits, insisting that his Adagio is firmly on course for the Unibet Champion Hurdle on March 15.
Adagio is a classical music instruction for a slow pace but Pipe is hoping his five-year-old German import can go a lot faster than that.
A Grade 1 winner in the Finale Juvenile Hurdle at Chepstow last season, Adagio then placed second in the Triumph Hurdle at Cheltenham and in the Doom Bar at Aintree.
The runner-up spot is a recurring theme for Adagio, finishing second in his seasonal debut in the Greatwood Hurdle in November while had to miss the International the following month after suffering a minor setback.
Pipe suggested stable star would improve for his comeback run at Wincanton and isn't too fussed about the result given that Afagio went well for long periods.
"He seems to have come out of it all right. He ran a decent race and all roads lead to the Festival now," said the Pond House handler.
Adagio puts Nassalam firmly in his place to take the Coral Finale Juvenile Hurdle at @Chepstow_Racing #ITVRacing pic.twitter.com/DTdIcxxMOS
— ITV Racing (@itvracing) January 9, 2021
"I think he deserves to take his chance in the Champion Hurdle and that would be the plan.
"Outside of Honeysuckle it's an open race. A lot can happen between now and Cheltenham and I'm not sure who'll turn up, but obviously they've all got Honeysuckle to beat."
With autumn wind surgery delaying his reappearance and a subsequent injury keeping him off the track for a further three months, Pipe is praying for an incident-free three weeks.
"We just want a clear run now," he added.
"We'll worry about our horse and not worry about the others."
Adagio is a 20-1 shot with Unibet for the Champion Hurdle, with last year's winner Honeysuckle favourite at 8-15.
