Ruth Jefferson’s Lavida Adiva may be aimed at Aintree after nearly pulling off a northern raid on the Pertemps Network Final Handicap Hurdle at the Cheltenham Festival.
The seven-year-old was a 22-1 chance under Brian Hughes following a fruitful season so far, and after taking a strong hold she ran an admirable race to chase home Supremely West and claim the runner-up position.
“She’s keen in her races and she’s difficult to ride, but that’s just her,” said Jefferson.
“She’s always been like that, if you drop her out the back then she’s asleep, but if you put her near something she is stupidly competitive.
“She’s a cracking jumper and it was a great run, there’s nothing more she could do.
“She’s a very consistent little filly, she does need things to go her way sometimes and she gets outclassed here and there, but you can’t knock her.
“She wasn’t an expensive horse, she’s won plenty of races and she’s very genuine – she’s the sort of horse lots of people would like to own.
“We’ll probably go to Aintree now, probably for a handicap if we can get her in and if not we might give her an entry in a graded race.”
