JLT TRIUMPH HURDLE

1.30: GRADE ONE — 2 MILES

THERE is a real chance SIR EREC hasn’t been truly tested over hurdles, but the long run from the second-last to the final flight should play to the strengths of a horse rated 105 on the Flat. Third to the mighty Stradivarius in an Ascot Group Two last October, the selection, trained by Joseph O’Brien (right), made the running in the Spring Juvenile Hurdle at Leopardstown, sprinting away from Gardens Of Babylon after the last to win cosily — and that has often proved one of the best trials for this race. The Paul Nicholls duo, Quel Destin and Pic D’Orhy, are much respected. The former has become a winning machine this winter, while Pic D’Orhy is potentially a high-class hurdler and could surprise.