Twist in the tale as Al Dancer trounces rivals

IT was a family affair when Nigel Twiston-Davies and his son Sam celebrated victory in yesterday’s Betfair Hurdle at Ascot with the well-backed Al Dancer.

Victory saw the imposing horse (left) slashed in price for the Sky Bet Supreme Novices’ Hurdle at Cheltenham next month.

“He was quite free over the first two or three hurdles,” said the winning trainer. “He wears a hood but he’s a free horse.

“He is quite lively but we have him quite calm now. He was good in the paddock and good everywhere – he was just a bit fresh early on.

“He is obviously a chaser long term – look at the size of him – and that is what we dream about, owner Dai Walters especially.

“Let’s see what we do this season. He could have another season over hurdles but chasing will be his game.”

Walters now has a strong hand for the Supreme where he also intends to run the Nicky Henderson-trained Angels Breath. Al Dancer is now vying with Fakir D’Oudairies and Angels Breath for market supremacy as they are all 4-1 co-favourites with the race sponsor.

“I won’t be moaning if I have the first and second,” said Walters. “That certainly won’t be too bad!”

Twiston-Davies will be hoping Al Dancer can better his 2017 Betfair Hurdle winner Ballyandy who finished fourth in the Supreme Hurdle behind Labaik in 2017.