No Buveur at all for Nicky’s new superstar
who produced another career best when romping to victory in the Peter Marsh at Haydock in January.
It’s fair to say that BRISTOL DE MAI’s (3.05) form tailed off after that but he looked better than ever when outpointing Blaklion in the Charlie Hall at Wetherby in October.
The six-year-old then booked his place in today’s elite line-up when putting some high-class rivals to the sword in last month’s Betfair Chase at Haydock.
Despite his excellent form there should still be plenty more to come from this rising star whose bold-jumping, trailblazing style is tailor-made for the demands of Kempton.
Twiston-Davies said: “We’re very happy. All seems good. It’s a different track to Haydock but I don’t see it being much of a problem.
“He’s got plenty of speed. He’s won over 2m 4f around Sandown and he’s won over two miles. I don’t think speed is his problem.
“Hopefully he gets better with age. He’s a May foal, so he’s really only just over six. This is what racing is about – to stop the gossip and prove a point. It’ll be a great day.”
MISTER WHITAKER (1:20) can give trainer Mick Channon a rare big Jumps winner in the 32Red Handicap Chase.
Fair over timber, the five-yearold caught the eye when third to the smart Adrien Du Pont in a hot Fontwell contest on his fencing debut in October.
The gelding showed the benefit of that experience when hacking up at Carlisle next time and can shrug off a 7lb hike with further improvement expected.
MIA’S STORM (1.55) can take another big step forward in the Kauto Star Novices’ Chase.
A talented hurdler, Alan King’s mare showed she would be even better over fences when slamming the classy Elegant Escape at Chepstow in October.
The seven-year-old improved again when absolutely bolting up in Listed company at Market Rasen next time and will take some catching thanks to her 7lb mares’ allowance.
BUVEUR D’AIR (2:30) can bag yet another top-level success in the Christmas Hurdle.
The gelding started last season over fences but rewarded Nicky Henderson’s bold decision to switch to timber by hacking up in the Champion Hurdle at Cheltenham in March.
Still progressing, the six-year-old cruised to victory in the Fighting Fifth at Newcastle on his return last month and should follow up with the minimum of fuss.
Henderson said: “Newcastle was perfect. The great thing about Buveur D’Air is that he loves soft ground but I am not saying that he needs it to come up as a bog at Kempton.
“We would never run him on fast ground. He is in good form and he did that very well up there in the Fighting Fifth.”
KILDISART (3.40) has gone from strength to strength in his brief hurdling career and can claim the lucky last for in-form handler Ben Pauling.
The ITV cameras are also at Wetherby where ALOOMOMO (2.10) rates a sound investment in the Rowland Meyrick Chase.
Warren Greatrex’s gelding is a class act on his day and was going well when falling in the Caspian Caviar at Cheltenham when last seen over fences a year ago.
The strapping seven-year-old should be primed after a couple of encouraging runs over timber and will relish the testing ground.