Un De Sceaux for Ryanair repeat
Mullins chaser is every bit as good as last year and his task is no more demanding this time around
1.30 TERREFORT looked potentially smart when winning on his debut for Nicky Henderson and then confirmed he is on an upward curve with a battling defeat of the smart Cyrname in a fast time at Sandown. He can take another step forward here. Finian’s Oscar enjoyed an exciting hurdles career but has never reached the heights expected over fences. Trainer Colin Tizzard reports a wind operation has revitalised his charge and, if that is the case, he has to be respected. The Willie Mullins pair Invitation Only and Kemboy should figure in a race the Irish have dominated, with five wins in the six years it has been run.
2.10 Always a tough contest for punters, but one that could be in on a decent mark is DELTA WORK. He has run with credit behind yesterday’s easy winner Samcro and Hennessy winner Total Recall this season and stayed three miles well enough at Punchestown last time. Further progress is more than likely from this lightly raced five-year-old. Dell’ Arca runs this track well enough and the ground should suit. Boite, Louis’ Vac Pouch and Forza Milan can all be given a solid chance.
2.50 UN DE SCEAUX appears as good as ever this season and his task looks no more formidable than when he landed the race a year ago. He should take some beating. Cue Card won this in 2013 and is still a top-drawer chaser. However, the fear is that he is vulnerable at this trip nowadays. Sub Lieutenant chased home Un De Sceaux last time and has
offered little evidence to suggest that he will gain his revenge 12 months on.
3.30 THE NEW ONE comes into the race as a forgotten horse and it is hard to understand why. According to the BHA Handicapper, he is as good as ever and I rate his efforts this season as not far short of his best. Factor in his affinity for this track and his indifference to ground, then we can conclude his claims are hard to fault. Doubts have been voiced over his stamina and it is true he has yet to race over further than 21 furlongs, but it is my belief he will actually find life more comfortable. Unowhatimeanharry started odds-on for this race a year ago and could finish only third. His career this season has been disappointing but if he bounces back then he can be a player again. Sam Spinner began the season rated 136 by the handicapper and arrives here on a mark of 164, which is a solid measure of his progress in three races and, in particular, since he has been stepped up in trip. He should go well.
4.10 The David Pipe team rarely leave the Festival having drawn a blank and KING’S SOCKS is an intriguing representative. His French hurdles form ties in closely with Arkle winner Footpad, who is a 160-plus horse over both hurdles and fences, yet King’s Socks can race off a mark of 140 here. He showed enough on his debut for Pipe to suggest he has made a good transition into Pond House life. Go Conquer has progressed this term and returned a solid performance over three miles last time. This shorter trip should suit better. Romain de Senam and King’s Odyssey have consistency on their side but have paid with tough handicap marks.
4.50 If the rumours are correct, then LAURINA is a superstar in the making. Her racecourse efforts are not in that league yet but she has undoubted potential. Maria’s Benefit is as tough as they come and looks one for the forecast.
5.30 SUGAR BARON could be the answer to a tricky amateur riders’ handicap. Katy Walsh is a valuable asset in the saddle and the horse is proven on this track. Final Nudge is gradually improving and will have ground and course in his favour. Tintern Theatre and Missed Approach are others that merit respect.