Stayers’ Hurdle gives classy Crambo chance to continue his climb

CRAMBO can complete his swift ascent through the ranks to land the Paddy Power Stayers’ Hurdle on day three of the Cheltenham Festival.

Fergal O’Brien’s sevenyear-old has won five of his eight hurdle runs to date, with his only really disappointing efforts when pulled up in a Newbury Grade One in December 2022 and finishing seventh in an Aintree Grade One last spring.

He has looked a fine stayer in the making this term though, cantering home on his return at Aintree before just getting caught out off a slow early pace when stepped up to three miles for the first time in a Haydock handicap.

Crambo showed that running to be all wrong when grabbing his first Grade One in the Long Walk at Ascot, edging out star veteran Paisley Park by a short head in what was a fine battle to the line.

While the heart would love Paisley Park to turn that form around, the head says Crambo is on the up and can mount the strongest home defence against Irish-trained favourite Teahupoo.

Elsewhere, Ginny’s Destiny is three from four around Cheltenham this season and can make the leap to Grade One level in the Turners Novices’ Chase.

FULL SELECTIONS:

CHELMSFORD: 5.20 Rabinal, 6.00 Radiant Beauty, 6.30 Shallow, 7.00 Arzaak, 7.30 Mick’s Spirit, 8.00 Platinum Jubilee, 8.30 Profitman.

CHELTENHAM: 1.30 Ginny’s Destiny, 2.10 Anna Bunina, 2.50 Envoi Allen, 3.30 CRAMBO (NAP), 4.10 Theatre Man, 4.50 Brighterdaysahead, 5.30 Bowtogreatness.

HEXHAM: 1.10 Dollar Collar, 1.50 Gibberwell, 2.30 Breeze Of Wild, 3.10 Clovis Island, 3.50 Josie Alice, 4.30 Ribeye, 5.00 This Is Bob.

SOUTHWELL: 3.58 Inexplicable, 4.37 Star Of St Louis, 5.10 Jayyash, 5.45 Starsong, 6.15 He’s An Angel, 6.45 Opticality, 7.15 Bletchley Storm, 7.45 Exponential, 8.15 Royal Agent.

DOUBLE: Crambo and Ginny’s Destiny.