Salute the Colonel

THE clues are there for COLONEL MUSTARD (3.30) to run a big race in the Unibet Champion Hurdle at a massive price.

His record of one win from 17 starts over obstacles hardly smacks of a horse with the profile to lift hurdling’s greatest prize but that doesn’t tell the whole story.

He just doesn’t like winning. His third behind today’s hot favourite State Man in the County Hurdle two years ago and his third behind the same horse in Punchestown’s Champion Hurdle last spring show he’s capable of hitting the frame.

With blinkers on for the first time on the back of a solid second behind Nemean Lion in the Kingwell at Wincanton, he is way overpriced at 66-1 under JJ Slevin (above). Have 1pt each-way.

TRELAWNE (2.50) will love the step up to 3m in the Ultima Chase.

He’s run really well behind the likes of Ginny’s Destiny and Crebilly since making a successful chase debut at Carlisle in November.

The soft ground is ideal and Kim Bailey’s hope has the assistance of Harry Cobden in the saddle. Have 1pt each-way at 8-1. Most bookies are paying out on six places.

ECHOES IN RAIN (4.10) has the hood on for the first time over hurdles since landing the Grade 1 Mares Champion Hurdle at Punchestown last spring.

All three of her runs this winter have come behind State Man and she will appreciate the return to 2m4f in the Close Brothers Mares’ Hurdle.

Willie Mullins also has the hot favourite in Lossiemouth but she has stamina worries. Have 1pt each-way at 25-1.

BRIGHT LEGEND (4.50) is my pick in the Boodles Juvenile Handicap Hurdle.

The form of his first two hurdles starts is good and he’ll be suited by this bigger field having made the running at Naas last month. Have 1pt each-way at 20-1. Several firms are going six places.