Harry’s game for Long Walk repeat
Fry’s charge has to recover from shock Newbury reverse to win three-mile test
Harry Fry believes only the best will suffice from Unowhatimeanharry if he is to maintain his crown in the JLT Reve De Sivola Long Walk Hurdle at Ascot this afternoon (2.25).
The nine-year-old will bid to become just the fifth horse in the history of the Grade One contest to win the extended three-mile prize on more than one occasion.
After making a winning return at Aintree, the JP Mcmanus-owned gelding suffered a surprise loss to 40-1 chance Beer Goggles in the Long Distance Hurdle at Newbury last month.
Fry said: “He has come out of Newbury well and I’ve been happy with him at home.
“I was naturally disappointed to get beaten at Newbury, but I think credit where it is due goes to Richard Johnson who gave a fantastic ride to Beer Goggles and we were not quite up to giving 6lb away.
“He never does more than he has to and that has been part of his success, in that he keeps a bit up his sleeve. Any Grade One is hard to win and he will have to be at his best, but the signs at home are encouraging that he will do himself justice.”
Neil King remains optimistic Lil Rockerfeller can back up his recent Grade Two success at the track by going one better than 12 months ago.
King said: “He goes there in terrific form and we are looking forward to running him. He has bounced out of his last race and has really thrived on it. Stepping back up will be more in his favour, as three miles will suit much better than two and a half.
“None of these races are easy, but he has beaten them before. It will be a tough race, but he is in good form.”
Jedd O’keeffe feels the time is right to give Sam Spinner a step up in class having turned a Grade Three handicap at Haydock on his last start into a procession.
He said: “It was a demolition job at Haydock. It didn’t shock me that he won after how well he ran at Chepstow, but it did surprise me how far he won [17 lengths]. I’ve been 100 per cent happy since Haydock and his training has gone absolutely perfectly since then. He is in great shape, whether he is good enough remains to be seen.
“We have a bit to find with Unowhatimeanharry if he runs to his mark, but he has got improvement in him and I’m hoping the extra furlong and a half will bring it out.”
Nickyhendersonwillbedouble handed with both L’ami Serge and Thomas Campbell as he bids to win the race for the first time since Punchestowns in 2008.
Henderson said: “They have both got to run – L’ami obviously has to, as that is where he belongs, and Thomas Campbell we have got to find out if that is where he belongs.
“L’ami Serge is in great form and is really good at home. The step up will help L’ami as he has won over three and a quarter in France so he will be strong at the finish.”
Tom George expects to see The Worlds End step forward from his seasonal return at Haydock as he looks to claim a second success at the top level.
The Slad handler said: “I think we can put a line through the last run and move on. He won’t have lost his way.
“The ability is still there and he is a young horse. He is still improving. He has still got the novice chase option if it didn’t go right next time, but I see no reason why he shouldn’t come back to form.”