Christmas may come too soon for Minsk Minsk could miss his intended jumping debut in the Grade 2 United Arab Emirates Embassy Juvenile Hurdle at Leopardstown on St Stephen's Day as Dessie Hughes steadily builds up his work after a short break. The Dalakhani gelding is pleasing connections but the Christmas target may just come a bit too soon. Minsk was bought by Barry Connell just before completing a hat-trick in tremendous style at the Curragh last time in the Hacketts Bookmakers Irish Cesarewitch. The former John Oxx-trained three-year-old is undoubtedly a class act with a Flat rating of 108, and new trainer Hughes reports that he's taken well to hurdles. “We schooled him immediately after he came to us as I wanted to get that work done when he was fully fit. He schooled exceptionally well and is an exciting prospect,” said Hughes. “But he needed a bit of a break as he was on the go since the start of the year and, while I was hoping to run him at Christmas, it may come a bit quick. He's only back about two weeks, and the Triumph Hurdle is the main objective. He's a lovely horse.” Minsk is a general 12/1 second favourite for the “Triumph” behind the Paul Nicholls-trained Hinterland.
