KALONDRA HAS GOLDEN TOUCH

FROM FRONT PAGE

Coo Star Sivola at Cheltenham nine days before Christmas.

Although he wasn’t up to Grade 1 company when a well-beaten fourth to Terrefort in Sandown’s Scilly Isles Chase in February, my selection was anything but discredited when third to Traffic Fluide back at the home of jump racing in April.

And Kalondra was travelling with menace in third place when coming to grief two out at the Galway Festival on his most recent outing.

Back in handicaps off a mark of 148, Noel Fehily’s mount must put up a personal best to take home the £90k winner’s cheque.

However, Kalondra has plenty more to offer and can enjoy the biggest payday of his career so far. Mister Whitaker edged out Rather Be in the Close Brothers Novices’ Handicap Chase at the Festival in March — and must now confirm the form on 9lb worse terms.

Despite the turnaround, Mick Channon’s runner carries plenty of stable confidence and is feared, with Guitar Pete (above) capable of a bold show at bigger odds.