McManus star knows what Ascot win means

IN recent years Ascot’s Long Walk Hurdle has gone to the horse that won it the previous December.

That was the case in 2010, 2011, 2013 and again in 2014.

UNOWHATIMEANHARRY (2.25) was the winning favourite 12 months ago and it will be a costly surprise if he does not go in again.

JP McManus bought him at the start of last season. He has won five of his seven starts since – including this race and the Grade One Ladbrokes Champion Stayers Hurdle at the Punchestown Festival in April. Lil Rockerfeller was behind him in both races.

Last time out he was runner-up to Beer Goggles at Newbury with Taquin Du Seuil ® four lengths back in third. On 6lb worse terms, Aidan Coleman’s mount is unlikely to trouble the selection.

L’Ami Serge is the best each-way bet as he had a 6lb penalty for winning the French Champion Hurdle when narrowly beaten by Lil Rockerfeller at Ascot last month. At level weights, you would expect Daryl Jacob’s mount to avenge that defeat.

Thomas Campbell has picked off the stayers’ handicap hurdles at Cheltenham’s two autumn fixtures. He was rated 138 at the start of the season and is now on a mark of 158. Stepping up to three miles has been the making of him, but it is nine years since a five-year-old won the Long Walk.

Sam Spinner, Agrapart and Ubak look out of their depth.