The entries for Saturday’s International Hurdle at Cheltenham were published on Monday and unbeaten Triumph Hurdle winner Peace And Co is the 11/10 favourite at BetVictor to maintain his perfect record over timber. If there is to be a realistic British contender for Faugheen‘s crown at Cheltenham in March Nicky Henderson’s charge looks the one although Katchit (2008) is the only 5-y-old since the great See You Then in 1985 to win the Champion Hurdle.
Today’s Hexham card was abandoned earlier in the week but no problems expected at Leicester the only other turf meeting this afternoon. It wasn’t much of a racer Abbreviate (1.05) won at Southwell with favourite Braavos failing to give his running on the soft ground but he could be called the winner from some way out and he can follow up in the opener for Kim Bailey.
Lovely Job (1.35) makes his chase debut and first start for Fergal O’Brien in the Novices’ Handicap Chase and this winning point-to-pointer can put behind a couple of modest efforts back in the spring. The ground is currently good to soft on the chase course which will suit although he wouldn’t want to see too much rain. Hindon Road is another to consider on his first start over fences for Alan King whose yard remain in excellent heart at present.
The interesting one in the Handicap Chase over the best part of 3m is top-weight Didntitellya who hasn’t been seen on the track since winning on his chase debut for Noel Meade in February 2014. He was sold for just £13,500 in September, however, and has obviously had his problems. A check of the market is advised but Road To Freedom (2.35) ran well at Kempton last time and is slowly getting his act together over fences for Lucy Wadham and Leighton Aspell.
Trucker Highway will be all the age in the Novices’ Handicap Chase over the minimum trip given he was a fluent winner at Ludlow last week but Grand March (3.05) is suggested as an each way alternative for Kim Bailey. The selection made an encouraging chase debut at Towcester and was a winner over timber for jockey David Bass earlier in the year off a 3lbs lower mark.
At Lingfield Bloodsweatandtears (2.55) steps back up to 10f for William Knight, has a cracking draw in stall two and might be able to gain a first win on the all-weather. The 7-y-old won at Brighton back in September and might have most to fear from Sir Mark Prescott’s handicap debutant Megara who has run three quick races in maidens without troubling the judge but might be a different position now handicapping.
At Kempton I like the look of Ian Williams‘ Cotillon (6.40) stepped back up to 2m. The selection can be slowly away and was putting in all his best work at the finish last time at Haydock over a mile-and-a-half when having his third start following a lengthy lay off. At 10/1 with BetVictor I would be disappointed if he didn’t go close with apprentice George Downing good value for his 3lb claim.
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