Sam can prove his elite class

SAMCRO should take his first step on the road to the Champion Hurdle by justifying odds-on favouritism in the Grade 2 WKD Hurdle in Down Royal.

The presence of the Gordon Elliott-trained six-year-old, beaten only once in his career, will be the undoubted highlight of a poorly-supported card.

Although, on figures, he has a bit to find with Sharjah, anything other than a smooth success for Jack Kennedy’s mount will be a surprise.

Despite the efforts of Identity Thief and Petit Mouchoir, Gigginstown House Stud has never won a Champion Hurdle in Cheltenham. And the recent decision of the O’leary brothers to keep Samcro over hurdles, with the Champion his target, is an exciting prospect for the months ahead.

Undoubtedly a high-class novice last season and with massive potential, Samcro has plenty to prove in his first season in the big league.

Rated 160, he must concede 8lb to 155-rated Sharjah and, although not favoured by conditions, he should triumph and launch a season which will, hopefully, lead him to championship action next spring.