According makes eagerly awaited debut at Sandown

JCB Triumph Hurdle gamble According makes his eagerly-awaited British debut at Sandown today.

The French import, formerly trained by Freddie Head, joined the Nicky Henderson stable in December and his homework has prompted a massive plunge in the ante-post market.

Whether that support is justified will be known after the horse has faced seven rivals in the toteswinger Juvenile Novices’ Hurdle.

The four-year-old is now owned by the Men In Our Position syndicate, headed by bookmaker Victor Chandler, the team responsible for last year’s Triumph hero Zaynar.

“We are all very excited. He was going to go up to Musselburgh on Sunday for better ground, but they have had a late change of heart and have decided to go the Sandown route,” said Victor Chandler spokesman Neal Wilkins.

“I think this race in the past has provided Triumph Hurdle clues and the horse has schooled brilliantly. They are obviously hoping lightning strikes twice on the back of Zaynar.

“There was 33-1 around early in January. We kept him on our side and he’s just been a steamroller this week. He was 14-1 on Monday and now he’s 8-1 clear second favourite. A big run is expected tomorrow afternoon.

“The word is out which is why the price has come down.

“According won a couple of times in France and the form of the race when he was caught close home by Daryakana was boosted when she went on to beat Spanish Moon in the Hong Kong Vase.

“The aim is they want to get two runs into him before Cheltenham.”

Meanwhile owner Judy Wilson anticipates further improvement from Punchestowns ahead of his second appearance over fences in the totepool Challengers Novices’ Chase, also at Sandown.

Last season’s World Hurdle runner-up was an effortless winner on his fencing introduction at Newbury in November, but has not seen a racecourse since then due to hold-ups with the weather.

“I’m not sure if I’m really looking forward to it or not, but I’m certainly very nervous,” said Wilson.

“I’m not sure I’m too keen on those Railway Fences as they do come up very quick, but I’ve got full confidence in Barry (Geraghty) and the horse.

“It’s been difficult for Nicky as he has got quite a few novice chasers who all want to run over the same distance, but I’m pleased we’re coming here.

“Tony McCoy schooled the horse on Thursday and everything went very well.

“I hope he’s improved since Newbury and the only thing that has stopped us running since then is the weather.

“He was due to run at Cheltenham on New Year’s Day but I didn’t want him to as there was differing reports about the ground, so we took him out.”