Clyne to shine at Cheltenham

CLYNE can reap the benefit of a promising seasonal reappearance by taking the Grade Two spoils in the Dornan Engineering Relkeel Hurdle at Cheltenham on New Year’s Day.

The Evan Williams-trained gelding had some smart horses behind him when finishing second to U now ha time an harry in the Long Distance Hurdle at Newbury.

That race was over three miles but he is arguably at least as effective over this trip of an extended two and a half miles.

Clyne put up a fine display at this distance on his final outing last term when third behind L’Ami Serge and Supasundae in the Grade One Aintree Hurdle. This looks a good opportunity for Clyne to register the biggest success of his career to date.

Defi Du Seuil got back on track when opening his account over fences at Exeter at the second attempt four weeks ago and can

carry on the good work in the Betbright Dipper Novices’ Chase.

Trained by Philip Hobbs, Defi Du Seuil put in a superb round of jumping when making all to land a comfortable victory over Top of the game. It was particularly pleasing for connections, as it was a big improvement on his first attempt at Cheltenham. He had obviously learnt a lot and the former champion juvenile hurdler could take high rank over fences.

Aso showed he was back in business when making a successful comeback after 13 months off the track to trot up in a Newbury handicap by 13 lengths.

Venetia Williams’ runner sticks to that company for the Download The Betbright Handicap Chase, but he has performed at the highest level, notably when third to Un De Sceaux in the Ryanair Chase at the Festival in March 2017.