This may be a final opportunity for some to get a mark that will get them in to the Boodles Hurdle at Cheltenham and indeed a couple in the field Sacchoandvanezzti (2020 before a long injury break) and Champion Green (2022 renewal and off since) already have experience in that race, the former hasn't yet got that 2020 form back but rates a long shot of interest and Champion green would surely be half the Odds to if it had already had a run but one we'll watch VERY closely and track onwards.

 

Of the rest, Blanketontheground is more exposed than most but a solid yardstick, and at the head of the market we have Hey Johnny, Neveradullmoment and Carnfunnock who have also shown promise and good form but don't look exceptional by any means nor great value.

 

On Good ground I think this could be run at a cracking place and Naas (like Navan) is a great test for Cheltenham as its a galloping track with a stiff finish and of course left handed, so I just feel that may play in to the proven stamina of SPIRIT OF LEGEND for Henry De Bromhead and Rachel Blackmore, its been campaigned more at 2 and a half miles lately but i think one that can be produced late to good effect here.

 

If there is a dark one lurking at a price it may be the very tempremental but undoubtedly talented VULTAN who showed more than a few glimpses of form for Joseph O'Brien and for whom Tony Martin has yet to find the key, however some collateral form from an impressive win with O'Brien suggests it could yet click. One for the future in lower grade probably but I'll be watching very closely for any signs of a return to form off a 5 month break.

 

 

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BARNACULLA is preferred here at the top end of the market to Limerick Lace and Percy Warner, it;s Handicap Chase form looks more solid and I think anything over 4/1 would represent value.

 

I'm going to track THE LITTLE YANK onwards as everything points to it's longer term potential being over Fences.

 

IT COULD BE YOU really caught my eye here though as despite a slow transition to chasing it would be in with an excellent chance were this a Hurdle race and I can't see any logical reason why it can't be competitive in this field for a smaller investment.