AGRAPART LOOKS AN ASCOT ACE

Agrapart is a formidable opponent when the mud is flying and, in anticipation of his favoured conditions, is the choice to prevail in Ascot’s JLT Hurdle tomorrow.

Nick Williams’ seven-yearold is a remorseless stayer who has long proven he belongs in or very close to this top bracket, having already banked two Grade Two victories.

Unsurprisingly, those Cheltenham successes came on ground described as soft and then heavy over the past two years.

The former currently prevails this weekend, and will be more to Agrapart’s liking than any of his rivals.

One run so far this season puts him and regular partner Lizzie Kelly bang in the frame on form.

Theyfinishedhalf-a-length behind Unowhatimeanharry, out to regain his ‘Long Walk’ crown on Saturday, on good ground and over just two and a half miles at Aintree.

Agrapart is 4lb better off here - and although he has stuck conspicuously to lefthanded tracks for much of his career, he did little wrong as a novice at Sandown when third in the Tolworth Hurdle over a trip which did not play to his strengths.

Doughty opposition can be expected from both Unowhatimeanharry and last year’s winner Sam Spinner - while Paisley Park would have been the selection on good ground.

Call Me Lord is likely favourite on the basis of one hugely impressive win when upped in distance last spring. If taken literally, Nicky Henderson’s five-year-old undoubtedly has everyone covered - but on his seasonal reappearance, there are grounds for siding instead with Agrapart.