Old Guard can “surprise a few” in the Stayers' Hurdle at the Cheltenham Festival, part-owner Andy Stewart has claimed.
Old Guard trailed home way back in seventh when Stayers' Hurdle favourite Unowhatimeanharry triumphed in the Cleeve Hurdle at Cheltenham last month and Stewart admits he faces a huge task when he likely takes on Harry Fry's star again next month.
However, the part-owner, who has a fine record in the race when winning it four times with Big Buck's, believes Old Guard is in good shape and can make an impact in the Stayers' Hurdle on March 16.
“We'll probably run him in the Stayers' Hurdle and I'll have another go at the race,” he said.
“We know he can't really beat Unowhatimeanharry, but Old Guard has improved massively for that run.
“We'll let him take his chance and he might just surprise a few.”
