Cheltenham – Ladies Wednesday

Going prediction: good to soft.

1:30 – Neptune Investment Management Novices’ Hurdle (Grade 1) – 2m 5f

Neon Wolf

Despite a decent field size of 15 for the opening contest, this could come down to the two at the head of the market. Bacardys finished a close third in last year’s Champion Bumper before taking Aintree’s Grade 2 equivalent a month later, and has shaped as if a step up in trip will suit in his three runs this term, staying on well most recently to land the Deloitte at Leopardstown. In any normal year Willie Mullins’ Grade 1 winner would probably be a warm favourite, but he may just struggle to get the better of the hugely impressive NEON WOLF here. Harry Fry’s novice has shown an imposing turn of foot in his three wins so far this season, most notably when landing a Grade 2 at Haydock over 2m in January, and this could be seen to even better effect over this longer trip. Consul De Thaix’s place in the line-up is interesting given his prominence in the Coral Cup betting, but a better each-way alternative could be the mare Shattered Love, who was a wide-margin winner the last twice and looks to open to further improvement.

Selection: NEON WOLF

Alternative: SHATTERED LOVE

 

2:10 – RSA Novices’ Chase (Grade 1) – 3m

Alpha Des Obeaux

Might Bite seems to have divided opinion more than any other horse at this year’s Festival, but there’s no doubting the 8-y-o’s ability to travel and jump over 3m. The question Nicky Henderson’s favourite has to answer is can he replicate his impressive performances at Doncaster and, for the most part, Kempton in a stamina-sapping RSA at Cheltenham. With that in mind, it may pay to side with last year’s World Hurdle runner-up ALPHA DES OBEAUX. Mouse Morris’ charge has had a mixed start to life over fences and reportedly bled after being pulled-up when last seen in December, but there’s no better trainer for getting one right on the day and he will be tough to beat if back to his best. It’s still hard to rate the form of Acapella Bourgeois’ 32-length success at Navan last month given the way he was allowed to dictate from the front, but it was an accomplished enough performance nonetheless and he could pose the biggest threat to the selection. Royal Vacation has been going the right way about things this term and is another who could figure.

Selection: ALPHA DES OBEAUX

Alternative: ACAPELLA BOURGEOIS

 

2:50 – Coral Cup Handicap Hurdle (Grade 3) – 2m 5f

Peregrine Run

Notoriously one of the more competitive handicaps over the four days of the Festival, but the market suggests punters have already found their winner in Tombstone, who has been steadily backed for the race since turning over Jezki at Gowran Park last month. The Gigginstown runner could well be on a handy mark for what will be his handicap debut, but may just find a few who posses a better turn of foot in this, with Peter Fahey’s PEREGRINE RUN heading that list. The 7-y-o has proved to be one of the most progressive hurdlers this season, rattling off three wins over in Ireland before landing a Grade 2 contest over C&D in November. A revised mark of 142 appears to be lenient following a decent effort on unsuitably soft ground last time out at Warwick, and he looks a worthy contender to the short-priced favourite. The form of last year’s Supreme continues to work out well, so Mister Miyagi (6th) and Supasundae (7th) have to be noted, with the latter particularly interesting based on his win at Punchestown at the end of last year. Jonjo O’Neill’s Taquin Du Seuil is another to keep an eye out for in the betting having been given what appears to be a lenient mark back over timber.

Selection: PEREGRINE RUN

Alternative: SUPASUNDAE

 

3:30 – Betway Queen Mother Champion Chase (Grade 1) – 2m

Douvan

The magnificent DOUVAN will be out to prove those who regard him as the best National Hunt horse in training correct as he bids to add the Champion Chase to his 2015 Supreme and 2016 Arkle victories. Barring an unlikely mistake or outside interference, the Mullins superstar looks nailed on to make it 14 wins on the bounce and is impossible to oppose here. The battle for the places looks likely to be fought out between dual C&D scorer Fox Norton and consistent Grade 1 performer God’s Own, with slight preference for the latter at the likely odds.

Selection: DOUVAN

Alternative: GOD’S OWN

Cheltenham – Champion Tuesday

Going prediction: good to soft.

1:30 – Sky Bet Supreme Novices’ Hurdle (Grade 1) – 2m

Bunk Off Early

It would be no surprise to see Willie Mullins provide the winner of the Festival curtain raiser for the fourth time in five years, but the market, along with Ruby Walsh, may have got it wrong when it comes to the favourite Melon and his stablemate BUNK OFF EARLY. The former has been the talking horse for the race for some time but with just one easy victory at Leopardstown in January to judge him on, it’s hard to make a case for the son of Medicean, especially at the prices. Bunk Off Early has only had one more start this season, but the manor in which he travelled when runner-up in the Deloitte on unsuitably soft ground suggests there’s plenty of improvement to come dropped back to 2m. The Nicky Henderson pair of Beyond Conceit and River Wylde both hold each-way claims, but the biggest danger to the selection may come from the Betfair Hurdle winner Ballyandy. Nigel Twiston-Davies’ yard hasn’t been in the best of form in recent weeks but the local trainer usually comes good this time of year and last year’s Champion Bumper scorer has to be a major player.

Selection: BUNK OFF EARLY

Alternative: BALLYANDY

 

2:10 – Racing Post Arkle Challenge Trophy Novices’ Chase (Grade 1) – 2m

Altior

Nicky Henderson has won this in recent years with the classy pair of Sprinter Sacre and Simonsig, and this year’s entry ALTIOR looks like he’s made from the same mould. Unbeaten in nine starts over obstacles, including victory on this day last year in the Supreme, he’s looked an even better animal over fences and is almost impossible to oppose in his bid to make it a perfect 10. Royal Caviar would almost certainly have won at Leopardstown on his latest start had he not fallen at the last and should be on the premises, but the likeliest danger to the selection may be Charbel who chased him home in the Henry VIII at Sandown back in December following an impressive debut win over fences at Uttoxeter.

Selection: ALTIOR

Alternative: CHARBEL

 

2:50 – Ultima Handicap Chase (Grade 3) – 3m 1f

Noble Endeavor

The market is usually a good guide when it comes to the first handicap of the Festival, so focusing on those at the head of the betting is no bad thing. Singlefarmpayment has progressed well over fences this term and was in the process of running another big race at the course, following an impressive win over C&D in December, when brought down when still travelling well, and so has to respected. But he’ll be tested against some more experienced rivals in this, including the two at the head of the weights in NOBLE ENDEAVOR and last year’s winner Un Temps Pour Tout. The selection produced his best effort to date when winning the Paddy Power Handicap Chase at Leopardstown in December and this looks to have been the plan ever since. The latter is rated 7 lb higher than when winning this last year but a campaign over hurdles has ensured his chase mark has stayed relatively low, and it would be no surprise to see a similar display to the one that saw him win with a bit in hand last season. Holywell finished runner-up that day and Jonjo O’Neill’s charge certainly deserves a mention given that he usually saves his best for this time of year, including victory in this race back in 2014.

Selection: NOBLE ENDEAVOR

Alternative: UN TEMPS POUR TOUT

 

3:30 – Stan James Champion Hurdle Challenge Trophy (Grade 1) – 2m

Brain Power

In what looks a sub-standard renewal, a case can be made for nearly all of the 12 runners due to line-up. Yanworth currently heads the market, and rightly so given his impressive record of 7 wins from 8 starts over hurdles. But there’s a genuine case to be made that Alan King’s stable-star should be going for the Stayers Hurdle over this, and probably would be if it wasn’t for fellow JP McManus runner Unowhatimeanharry’s dominance in the staying division this season, and so looks worth taking on at the head of the market. Buveur D’air certainly has the ability to go close, but a less than ideal preparation that’s seen the 6-y-o revert back to hurdles mid-way through his novice chase campaign is enough to make you look further afield. Petit Mouchoir has certainly improved this season with two Grade 1 victories to his name, but Bryan Cooper will have to get the fractions absolutely spot on if he is to win this from the front, and in the process could just set the race up for one of BRAIN POWER or Moon Racer. The selection has travelled so strongly in his last two wins in handicap company, particularly when quickening away from a big field at Ascot in December, and should be well suited by the demands of this race. Connections of 2015 Champion Bumper winner Moon Racer have made the brave decision to go for this over the Supreme, which can only suggest that the 8-y-o is showing them plenty at home. David Pipe’s charge loves it round here and with more scope to improve than most, he could well run a big race. The old guard of My Tent Or Yours and The New One can’t be ruled out given previous performances, but probably only have place claims at best.

Selection: BRAIN POWER

Alternative: MOON RACER

Cheltenham – Friday 11th December

Going prediction: soft-good to soft in places.

12:00 Harrison James And Hardie Novices’ Chase (Class 2) – 3m 1½f

AT THE RACES verdict:

The step up to this trip could be the making of MINELLA ROCCO, who appeared to be caught flat-footed in a tactically run affair over shorter on his reappearance. It’s impossible to forget the impression he made over hurdles last season, and he is well worth another chance with a pipe-opener under his belt. Vicente concedes weight all round but he has a good record at this venue, including an authoritative victory over Un Temps Pour Tout last month. Blaklion was still in there pitching when coming down at the third last in that contest and merits respect, while Fletchers Flyer and Onenightinvienna lock horns again following their good battle at Exeter.

Selection: MINELLA ROCCO

Alternative: FLETCHERS FLYER

1:45 Ryman Stationery Handicap Chase (Grade 3) (Class 1) – 3m 2f

Vieux Lion Rouge

AT THE RACES verdict:

Plenty in with chances in a fascinating renewal. David Pipe has a good record in this race and can land the spoils for the third time courtesy of VIEUX LION ROUGE. The six-year-old has already surpassed his solid hurdles form in three outings over fences, staying on dourly for victory at Haydock last month, and he can make light of a 7lb rise in the weights. Sausalito Sunrise was far from convincing over his fences here last time but still had enough up his sleeve to score, so he isn’t opposed lightly. Knock House should remain competitive off his new mark, while The Druids Nephew arrives fresh having had his Hennessy Gold Cup mission aborted at the 11th hour.

Selection: VIEUX LION ROUGE

Alternative: KNOCK HOUSE

Cheltenham and Punchestown – Sunday 15th November

Going predictions: Cheltenham good to soft; Punchestown soft.

1:00 (Cheltenham) Sky Bet Supreme Trial Novices’ Hurdle (Grade 2) (Class 1) – 2m 87y

SPORTING LIFE verdict:

A small but select field head to post and ALTIOR can follow in the hoofprints of last year’s scorer Vyta Du Roc. Nicky Henderson has made little secret of the regard in which he holds the son of High Chapparal and he showed plenty of resolution when scrambling home at Ascot after flattening the final flight. Maputo is another shrewd recruit to the game for John Ferguson and he looked as good as ever when scoring at Kempton. The ground is a slight question mark against him, though he has won on a softer surface on the Flat. Simon Squirrel has reportedly had breathing issues though he won impressively enough on his hurdling debut at Newton Abbot. Mister Miyagi beat Drumlee Sunset when they met in a maiden at the track, though both would need to improve in order to take a hand. Viens Chercher steps up in grade having slammed weaker opposition at Sedgefield and Market Rasen.

Selection: ALTIOR

Alternative: SIMON SQUIRREL

1:35 (Cheltenham) Racing Post Arkle Trophy Trial Novices’ Chase (Grade 2) (Class 1) – 1m 7f 199y

SPORTING LIFE verdict:

Garde La Victoire proved most progressive last season and, following a successful debut over fences at Uttoxeter, Philip Hobbs’ six year old has plenty to like about him at this level. With softer ground likely, stamina could come into play and it is with reluctance that we oppose him with CALIPTO. Paul Nicholls’ charge jumped particularly well at Fontwell and, though the trainer has nominated future targets over further, he still has enough pace to be effective over this shorter trip. Fox Norton has a flawless record over fences and he was no mug over hurdles. Rain would aid his chances though it will be tough for him to concede a winner’s penalty. Dormello Mo has been on the go for quite some time while El Namoose and The Grey Taylor attempt a massive leap up in grade.

Selection: CALIPTO

Alternative: GARDE LA VICTOIRE

2:10 (Cheltenham) Shloer Chase (Grade 2) (Class 1) – 1m 7f 199y

Sprinter Sacre

Despite failing to rediscover his sparkling form of old last season, there’s every reason to believe SPRINTER SACRE can gain a first success in over two and a half years on his first run of this campaign. The vibes from the Henderson yard have been positive in the weeks leading up to this and race condition’s mean he receives weight from the majority of today’s rivals. If there was ever an opportunity for the once 188-rated champion two-mile chaser to get his head in front once more, this could be it. Mr Mole has his quirks but showed last season that he retains plenty of ability, landing three of his five starts, and commands respect despite conceding 10lb to the selection. Simply Ned finished second in the race last term and he should make his presence felt again after posting a career-best effort last time out when winning a 6-runner handicap at Kelso. The evergreen veteran Somersby also has to enter calculations, but he often fails to get his head in front where it counts, while both Croco Bay and Savello will need to step up if they are to feature in this company.

Selection: SPRINTER SACRE

Alternative: MR MOLE

2:15 (Punchestown) StanJames.com Morgiana Hurdle (Grade 1) (Class 1) – 2m

Faugheen

This looks to be an easy enough assignment for the Champion Hurdler FAUGHEEN to open his account for the season and stretch his unbeaten run to 11 wins from 11 starts. He was imperious at the Festival and even more impressive over C&D in May when landing the Irish equivalent on the bridle. A similar performance should be on the cards here, and it would be no surprise at all to see Willie Mullins land a 1-2-3 with stablemates Nichols Canyon and Wicklow Brave expected to fight out the placings, with slight preference for the latter of the two with race-fitness on his side. Identity Thief should be best of the remainder.

Selection: FAUGHEEN

Alternative: WICKLOW BRAVE

2:40 (Cheltenham) Stanjames.com Greatwood Hurdle (Grade 3 Handicap) (Class 1) – 2m 87y

This looks typically wide-open and a lot will depend on the amount of rain overnight, so it may be best to see how testing conditions are before backing the likes of Nabucco or Sign Of A Victory. The former would be of particular interest if the ground doesn’t come up too soft following his win in a Listed handicap at Ascot last time out (Sign Of A Victory back in 4th). Both Days Of Heaven and Renneti have the ability to win a race like this, but neither can be trusted when it comes to their temperament and others appear better handicapped. Two that fall into that category are Mick Jazz and SUPERB STORY. The former came up against some smart types in a couple of juvenile hurdles at Newbury at the end of last year and he may have been let in lightly here, as might the selection. Superb Story failed to progress after winning on his hurdling debut last term but looked to be back on track at Wetherby recently when landing a decent handicap first time up for his new yard. With the likelihood of more to come and no worries about soft ground, he gets the nod. Waxies Dargle produced a career-best effort when last seen and any significant ease in the ground would be in his favour, while Bidourey shouldn’t be overlooked despite his yard struggling for winners at present.

Selection: SUPERB STORY

Alternative: MICK JAZZ

Cheltenham – Saturday 14th November

Going prediction: good to soft-good in places.

12:40 JCB Triumph Hurdle Trial (Grade 2) (Class 1) – 2m 87y

Paul Nicholls has an excellent record in the race and it would be no surprise at all to see ROMAIN DE SENAM improve it further. He was a winner in France – with Fingertips back in second that day – and was impressive on his stable debut at Wincanton last month when cruising to victory. He should have the better of his french rival once again with match-fitness on his side, but any market support for David Pipe’s charge would be significant given connections’ record with similar types. The main threat to the selection may come from the hat-trick seeking Oceane, who reached a fair level on the Flat and has made a promising start to hurdling with short-priced victories at Fontwell and Kempton. There is likely to be further improvement from Alan King’s juvenile and he will no doubt make his presence felt. Wolf Of Windlesham was a surprise winner at Ludlow last month and shouldn’t be discounted completely, but it would be a shock if Coo Star Sivola were to open his account here.

Selection: ROMAIN DE SENAM

Alternative: OCEANE

1:50 Murphy Group Handicap Chase (Group 3) (Class 1) – 3m 3f 71y

Sausalito Sunrise (left)

Upswing will have his supporters following an eye-catching victory at Worcester last time out and the forecast rain makes him a serious contender. Sego Success probably needed the run at Chepstow on his reappearance and he looks to be on a feasible mark if back to the form that saw him finish fifth in the 4m National Hunt Chase at the Festival. Sam Winner won this off 11st 12lbs for Paul Nicholls last year and top weight Black Thunder will be trying to do the same, but both he and stablemate Just A Par look well held by the handicapper. In contrast, the six-year-old Cogry may have plenty more to offer off his current mark and stable jockey Ryan Hatch claims a useful 3lb, so he has to be respected. But the key to the race may lie with SAUSALITO SUNRISE and whether he has recovered from whatever forced Richard Johnson to pull him up on his belated return at Chepstow last month. He ran well here in two novice events last season, finishing runner-up to Kings Palace on both occasions, and was going well behind Coneygree in a Grade 1 at Kempton before hitting the deck. He could easily be the best handicapped horse in the race and should go close if none the worse for his latest outing. The main danger may come from Spring Heeled, who won the Kim Muir here in 2014 and appeared to bounce-back to form when second in the Munster National at Limerick last time out.

Selection: SAUSALITO SUNRISE

Alternative: SPRING HEELED

2:25 Paddy Power Gold Cup Chase (Grade 3 Handicap) (Class 1) – 2m 4f 78y

Boondooma

The obvious starting point for the race is Kings Palace who is almost certain to go off as favourite given his connections and impressive form figures. David Pipe has always rated the horse highly and it’s hard to knock his record of four wins from six starts at the track, but he again disappointed in a more competitive race at the Festival when finishing a well-beaten 6th in the RSA and the drop back in trip is also a concern. The stable’s other entry, Monetaire, is certainly of interest near the foot of the weights. Paul Nicholls usually has something up his sleeve for these big handicaps and Art Mauresque could be perfectly placed to follow up Caid Du Berlais’ victory in the race last year. The Champion Trainer also has the top weight Sound Investment to back him up. Oscar Rock was a decent hurdler but has only really started to fulfill his potential over fences. He may well have landed a hat-trick of novice victories in the spring had he not been badly hampered three out in Grade 2 at Ayr, but looked as good as ever on his return in September when winning at Listed handicap at Market Rasen. He’s still relatively unexposed and, as long as there’s not too much rain between now and the start, he should go well. But sitting a pound lower in the weights is the recent course winner BOONDOOMA for Dr Richard Newland. He made an encouraging start to life over fences before trouncing a 5-runner field at Haydock on only his third start. He then missed the rest of the season with a knee problem but could hardly have been more impressive on his return, making all to win a 2m handicap at the Showcase meeting last month. Connections have had this race in mind all along and he should be a major player with conditions to suit. Irish Cavalier also deserves a mention after winning the novice handicap chase over C&D at the Festival, while Johns Spirit cannot be discounted either having won the race in 2013 and finished an agonising second in it last year.

Selection: BOONDOOMA

Alternative: OSCAR ROCK

 

Cheltenham – Friday 13th November

Going prediction: good-good to soft in places.

1:05 Paddy Power Handicap Chase (Class 2) – 1m 7f 199y

The french-import La Vaticane will have plenty of supporters given her connections and following an impressive debut for the yard when runner-up in a handicap hurdle at Kempton back in March. David Pipe’s charge already has experience over the larger obstacles having won both of her chase starts in France and warrants the utmost respect, but her price looks short enough returning from a long break. The Clock Leary is another who will have to defy a lengthy absence, but he has gone well fresh in the past, while Lough Kent represents a yard with a good recent record in the race and has to be respected now dropped in trip. MINELLA PRESENT will have no such issues with match-fitness and looks to be on a fair mark for his handicap debut. He reached a pretty decent level over hurdles and has showed plenty of promise in four starts over fences this year, so is worth a chance. Pearls Legend will no doubt be competitive once again and Le Bacardy is also feared, but will need to improve for his return run at Aintree.

Selection: MINELLA PRESENT

Alternative: LA VATICANE

2:15 Neptune Investment Management Novices’ Hurdle (Grade 2) (Class 1) – 2m 5f 26y

Penglai Pavilion (left)

A race full of potential, despite the small field, as all four runners arrive with winning form and lofty expectations. Both Alcala and Shantou Village could hardly have been more impressive in their recent victories at Worcester and Carlisle respectively, but this will provide a much firmer test of their ability and they may come up just short against some potentially top-class novice hurdlers. Champers On Ice changed hands for over £200,000 after winning an Irish point-to-point in the spring and went on to score narrowly in a 15-runner bumper at Punchestown (he and the second pulled well clear) in April. He receives weight all round and is a cracking prospect moving forward, but PENGLAI PAVILION is already showing signs that he could reach the top-level of the novice hurdling division this season having passed every test with flying colours so far. He was very smart on the Flat, winning four times and finishing fifth in the 2013 Arc, and proved his stamina for this trip when running out an impressive winner over C&D last month.

Selection: PENGLAI PAVILION

Alternative: CHAMPERS ON ICE

Festival Trials Day, Saturday – Cheltenham

1:50, BetBright Cup Chase (Grade 2) (Class 1) – 3m 1f 110y

Smad Place

A small, yet select field looks set to line-up for this Grade 2 chase and one horse that stands out as potentially a class above his rivals is the David Pipe-trained Dynaste. Although winless since his victory in last year’s Ryanair the nine year-old has run well in his two appearances this season, finishing a credible third in the Betfair Chase at Haydock before chasing home Silviniaco Conti once again when runner-up in the King George on Boxing Day. But there’s a genuine concern about him racing over this extended trip on soft ground at Prestbury Park, so it could pay to look elsewhere. Many Clouds will have his supporters after victory in the Hennessy Gold Cup and is open to further improvement in this sphere, but preference is for the grey that finished 20-lengths behind him that day, SMAD PLACE. Alan King’s charge is entitled to improve for that effort and has every chance of reversing that form on 12lb better terms. He’s always run well in defeat at the track, most recently when just touched off in last year’s RSA Chase by O’Faolains Boy, and this looks to be a good chance for the eight year-old to finally get his head in front when it counts. Connections of last year’s winner The Giant Bolster will be hoping that Cheltenham can once again reignite the potential of their Gold Cup hope, while Black Thunder will need to be at his best if he is to go close.

Recommended: SMAD PLACE – 10/3

The International, Saturday – Cheltenham

3:10, StanJames.com International Hurdle (Grade 2) (Class 1) – 2m 1f

The New One

Last year’s renewal was basically a match race between 2012 victor Zarkandar and the eventual winner THE NEW ONE, and this year’s running looks to be of a similar mold. The Nigel Twiston-Davies stable star has been professional rather than spectacular in his two victories so far this season, but it’s very rare that his six year-old ever wins by wide-margins. He clearly loves the testing conditions that Cheltenham has to offer, having won four of his seven starts at the track, and ground conditions look set to suit, so another victory should be on the cards. His main rival this time around comes in the form of the Supreme Novices’ third Vaniteux. The five year-old ran a blinder to finish six lengths behind Vautour that day and his recent reappearance at the track was mightily impressive when finishing a close second under top-weight in the Greatwood Hurdle. He also receives a useful 8lb from the favourite, but that still might not prove enough against a superior opponent. Of the remainder, Zamdy Man looks the only other realistic threat to the top two in the market, while Mad Moose faces a battle of his own at the starting line following a year-long ban for persistently refusing to race.

Recommended: THE NEW ONE – 4/7

The Showcase, Saturday – Cheltenham

2:35, Marie Curie Cancer Care Handicap Chase (Class 2) – 2m 4f

A competitive field looks set to line up for the second race on the card and plenty will fancy their chances. Last year’s winner Johns Spirit returns to a track he knows well and, despite being 18 lb higher than that victory, looks to have every chance of winning this again if running up to the form that saw him finish fourth at the Festival. Champion Court carries top weight but is now 3 lb lower than his last winning mark and could be a big danger if he gets his own way out in front. The market is currently headed by the Emma Lavelle trained Claret Cloak who was unlucky not to record a win in 2m handicap company back in the spring. He now races beyond 2m 1f for only the second time in his career and there has to be some doubt about his stamina over this extended trip, as well as the potential for overnight rain to ruin his preferred ground conditions. However, one horse who won’t be concerned by the trip or a change in the going is PERSIAN SNOW. Philip Hobbs’ entry had been progressing nicely in handicap company before a below-par effort last time out at the track back in April. That result was probably just a case of one race too many and he should now be seen back to full effect after a long break. Of the remainder, Workbench looks an interesting prospect after a fruitful summer and course winner Ackertac should not be dismissed off his current mark.

Recommended: PERSIAN SNOW – 8/1

3:10, Masterson Holdings Hurdle (Class 2) – 2m 110y

Calipto

Despite the small field, it looks like a smart bunch of four-year-old’s that’ll line up for this class 2. Both Stephen Hero and Violet Dancer deserve respect, but neither have shown the ability thus far to suggest they can bother the market principals. Tiger Roll surprised a few when winning the Triumph Hurdle on only his third start over hurdles and obviously has to be respected, despite disappointing at Punchestown last time out, but preference has to be for CALIPTO who surely would have got closer to him that day had his stirrup not broke after jumping the second last. Paul Nicholls’ charge also has an 8 lb pull in the weights with the Irish raider and that alone should be enough to give the yard a third successive victory in the race. The only other runner is the Evan Williams trained Ballyglasheen who impressed when winning the Swinton at Haydock back in May and could be a threat if reproducing his best form.

Recommended: CALIPTO – 11/8