ALAN KING TRITONIC

JCB Triumph Hurdle

Friday (1.20)

RATED 99 after winning twice from nine outings on the Flat, and overhauled Casa Loupi to score by a length at Ascot on his hurdles debut in January.

The four-year-old then beat the same rival by 10 lengths in the Grade 2 Adonis Hurdle at Kempton five weeks later.

KING SAYS: We were thrilled with Kempton — that was what we wanted to see — and he will have learned plenty from it.

The way he came back on the bridle after he was short of room once or twice impressed me and he hit the line really well, which is a good sign.

He looks a little bit slow because he does tend to drift off to sleep, but he’s got some very good mile-and-a-quarter form and and he has the gears to hold his position, no matter how you ride him.

He’s the highest-class Flat horse I‘ve sent jumping, and he schooled lovely from day one.

I felt if he was going to get to the Triumph then he needed two runs beforehand, and he’s come out of Kempton in good order.

NEWSBOY’S VERDICT:

The four-year-old hurdles division looks strong for 2021, and it’s no surprise to see a formidable challenge from Ireland.

But it’s hard to see what more this smart Flat performer could have done in two starts over jumps, and he will lead the home defence with distinction.

ODDS: 9-4

Wednesday (1.20)

THREE from three since a half-length obstacles debut defeat by Jonjo O’Neill’s subsequent Betfair Hurdle winner Soaring Glory at Chepstow in October. Followed scores at Exeter and Newbury with a 10-length supremacy in the Grade 1 Challow Hurdle at the latter course at the end of December.

NICHOLLS SAYS:

We always thought he was nice last year, but he was a bit backward in his bumpers. We did his breathing in the summer and gave him time.

I liked his first run, because I knew Jonjo liked his one, and (assistant trainer) Harry Derham said: “Step him up in trip, and he’ll improve.”

Scott Marshall, who rides him at home, also rides Cyrname, Clan Des Obeaux and Master Tommytucker. He knows what he’s talking about and he’s always said this is a really smart horse.

The way he hacked up at Newbury before the Challow, we then started thinking: “This is a serious horse.”

Ultimately, he’s a stayer but, at the moment, two and a half is ideal for him.

NEWSBOY’S VERDICT: Challow Hurdle triumph established him as the leading home contender for the Festival’s two-and-a-half-mile novice hurdle —and there is more to come. ODDS: 11-4