Gary Moore hopes there will be no repeat of Authorized Speed's late jumping blemishes as the Grade 1 Unibet Tolworth Novices' Hurdle looms.
The six-year-old, fifth in Cheltenham's 2022 Champion Bumper behind Facile Vega, has begun his career over obstacles on a winning note. Off the mark by 15 lengths at Moore's local course Lingfield, Authorized's son carried a penalty to victory at Saturday's big race venue, Sandown Park, last month.
But the three-time scorer nearly blundered his chance away at the final flight, a jump which he clipped on hurdling debut before being eased down by jockey Jamie Moore.
"Hopefully his jumping will be a bit better on Saturday," the West Sussex trainer said. "I'm very happy with him – it's so far, so good. There is plenty of rain around and he wants soft ground.
"It's going to be a tough assignment and we will find out how good he is."
Moore, who hit the heights at the Esher circuit with champion chaser Sire De Grugy, will bide his time with another smart novice Givega. From the same bloodline as Quevega and sire as Authorized Speed, the fluent Fontwell victor could be seen on a racecourse next in February.
"There is a possible race at Warwick on Kingmaker (Novices' Chase) day," Moore added.
Authorised Speed is 11-4 second favourite with the Tolworth sponsors, behind 6-4 shot Luccia, Nicky Henderson's charge, one of 11 entries, was an impressive winner of a Listed mares' bumper at Sandown last season.
