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PHILIP HOBBS is not a trainer to shout about his Cheltenham prospects from the rooftops but he has been notably bullish about the chances of DEFI DU SEUIL in the Triumph Hurdle. And why not?
The horse is clearly the best juvenile hurdler seen so far having won all five starts.
His victories have included two at this track so he is familiar with the unusual topography, especially the brutal final hill.
His nine-length win over Rainbow Dreamer at the track last time was impressive.
Master Blueyes is peaking at the right time. Twice a winner on the Flat, Alan King’s challenger has now matched that over hurdles and his win in the Adonis Hurdle at Kempton on his latest start – often a good trial for this race – was spectacular as he strode 11 lengths clear of Evening Hush. NOEL FEHILY has already had a wonderful Festival with a Grade One double and he can add the County Hurdle to his tally with AIR HORSE ONE.
He was a high-class bumper horse but after a steady start to his hurdling career he has really clicked since the turn of the year with a hat-trick, the latest being a success in a valuable handicap at Ascot last month.
Horses with previous Festival form have been doing well again this week and L’ami Serge was an excellent fourth in the 2015 Supreme.
He has become a frustrating sort but from a top, in-form team (Henderson) he may well run into a place dropping back to handicap class. GORDON ELLIOTT has doubled his previous Festival successes with five winners in the first two days – and one of his best hopes has still to run, possible banker of the week, DEATH DUTY.
He has yet to have his colours lowered over hurdles, has already picked up a Grade One prize, and his style of racing suggests the step up to three miles for the first time will suit.
Should the favourite fail to last out up the hill, proven stayer and Willie Mullins’ second string Penhill is the choice.
He was badly hampered in his only defeat when beaten 15 lengths behind Ailrie Beach at Fairyhouse in December.
When switched up to three miles last time he was electric in beating Call The Taxie by seven lengths in a Limerick Grade Two event. JACK BARBER and rider Will Biddick are a formidable partnership in domestic point-to-points where ASK THE WEATHERMAN has won eight of his nine races.
He was just as impressive in winning on his hunter chase debut at Wincanton, where he jumped well and made most of the running.
Aupcharlie looks the pick of the Irish and was sixth in this last year behind On The Fringe when he appeared to run out of stamina. in this grade. He has winning course form, having lifted a Listed novice on New Year’s Day and raced to a 38-length success at Warwick last month.
The McManus colours should be carried prominently via the Philip Hobbs-trained No Comment, who is on a fourtimer after a hat-trick of softly-softly successes at Market Rasen and Plumpton. PAUL NICHOLLS will be hoping he has a winner on board before the ‘getting-out stakes’ but LE PREZIEN has always looked one of his best chances of the week.
He has won a Grade Two chase over these fences and does not look overburdened on his first handicap.
Theinval has been kept fresh for this meeting-closer since winning smoothly at Plumpton in mid-December and is assisted by cheekpieces for the first time.
Bright New Dawn has yet to win since moving from Gordon Elliott in Ireland to Venetia Williams this season.