This race could feature one of the gambles of the meeting if David Pipe elects to run impressive Warwick winner Ballynagour. The handicapper was sufficiently impressed to raise the gelding 21lbs for that victory but he still gets in here with 10st 7lb. Having his first outing for the stable since arriving from France, Ballynagour spread-eagled his field to win by 19 lengths after being backed from 11-2 down to 7-4 favourite. Pipe still has options over both hurdles and fences at the festival but this looks his most likely objective.
He may have most to fear from Hunt Ball who was one of the most popular winners of the meeting 12 months ago. He completed his meteoric rise through the handicap by winning the Pulteney Land Investments Novices’ Handicap under 12 stone. A highly creditable third at Aintree in Grade One company followed and connections were hoping he would prove to be a worthy contender for the Cheltenham Gold Cup this season. Those ambitions were ended when the horse gave every indication of not lasting the trip in the Argento Chase, travelling well into the straight before weakening rapidly behind Cape Tribulation and Imperial Commander. He eventually trailed in 36 lengths adrift in third and Trainer Kieran Burke has redirected him to this race. Although racing off a 15lb higher mark than when successful last year, he still travels strongly at this distance and must be respected.
Paul Webber’s Cantlow has been kept under wraps for the festival since scoring comfortably in novice events at Plumpton and Taunton. He finished runner-up in the Pertemps Hurdle Final last year and has since been purchased by leading owner JP McManus. He is difficult to assess with his limited experience but Webber is confident that he jumps well enough to be competitive at this grade. McManus also has another interesting entry in Alderwood, winner of the County Hurdle at the corresponding fixture. Although he was a 20-1 shot that day, he has been a model of consistency since and the heavy ground found him out at Punchestown last time. He looks very handily weighted with just 10st 4lb but holds similar claims in the Grand Annual.
Gary Moore’s Vino Griego is a reformed character of late and defied a 10lb penalty to win a valuable chase at Ascot in February. He does not look the easiest of rides but there was nothing wrong with the way he saw off Cappa Bleu that day and he had previously won by 19 lengths over course and distance. Both victories came with plenty of cut in the ground and connections will be hoping for similar conditions. The handicapper has raised him a further 7lbs for the Ascot race.
Summary
Hunt Ball has been crying out for a two and a half mile race on good ground all season and may finally get the opportunity to return to his best. The problem is the likelihood of having to carry top weight and he may be vulnerable to one of the less exposed runners. Ballynagour certainly fits the bill and could develop into one of the gambles of the meeting whilst Alderwood would also come into consideration of electing to come here.
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