Nigel’s grey Al Dancer is out to waltz off with win
BETVICTOR HORSE RACING MULTIPLES CASH OUT NOVICE HUNTERS’ CHASE (Class 5) £3,120 2m 4f 205y CHOOSE YOUR HORSE WITH BETVICTOR’S BETFINDER MAIDEN OPEN NATIONAL HUNT FLAT RACE (DIV I) (Class 5) £2,924 2m 70y CHOOSE YOUR HORSE WITH BETVICTOR’S BETFINDER MAIDEN OPEN NATIONAL HUNT FLAT RACE (DIV II) (Class 5) £2,924 2m 70y BY JOE REILLY AL DANCER heads an 18strong field for tomorrow’s Supreme Novices’ Hurdle at Cheltenham.
Nigel Twiston-Davies revealed the ante-post jolly will not wear a hood but will be fitted with ear plugs in the Festival curtain-raiser.
Owner Dai Walters has another major string to his bow in the shape of Angels Breath, said to be thriving by Nicky Henderson.
But Willie Mullins’s Klassical Dream has also been heavily backed.
Joseph O’Brien has opted to go down the Supreme route with Fakir D’Oudairies, who receives a valuable 7lb allowance after scoring here in January.
Colin Tizzard has a major chance with Elixir De Nutz, who has slipped under the radar despite easily landing the Tolworth at Sandown in January.
Grand Sancy gave weight and a beating to more experienced rivals in the Kingwell at Wincanton and poses a serious threat for Paul Nicholls.
The Arkle Chase is set to be the most competitive renewal for years.
Mick Channon’s Glen Forsa is well supported after slamming Kalashnikov in a Sandown Grade Two and the duo clash again.
Lalor oozed class here in November and trainer Kayley Woollacott is confident he can return to his best at the venue.
The main Irish challenger could be Gordon Elliott’s Grade One-winner Hardline, who starred when third in the Flogas at Leopardstown.
Duc Des Genievres has a solid shot for Mullins but Henry de Bromhead could have a bigger shout with Ornua and Paloma Blue.
Joseph O’Brien’s Us And Them is a serious contender after chasing home sidelined stablemate Le Richebourg in a couple of Leopardstown Grade Ones.