Azertyuiop the answer
Moscow Flyer is a terrific horse and holds every chance of ensuring Irish eyes are smiling on St Patrick’s Day, but Paul Nicholls’ charge is the most talented opponent he has ever faced.
Jessica Harrington’s gelding trounced Azertyuiop at Sandown back in early December to the tune of four lengths.
He loves Cheltenham, producing immaculate performances here for the last two years, firstly in the Arkle and then in the Champion Chase.
All the evidence this season is that he is as good as ever and is going to take a lot of beating.
But the three years younger Azertyuiop is narrowly preferred, having produced a stunning effort in the Victor Chandler Chase at Ascot in January. That was the day when Ruby Walsh’s partner became a man. He fought like a tiger all the way up the straight, before eventually going down by a neck to Isio, who was in receipt of a whopping 19lbs.
Isio subsequently gave the form a major boost when defying a 6lbs rise in the weights with a clear-cut success in a competitive event at Newbury.
Howard Johnson’s Inglis Drever gets the vote in the Royal and SunAlliance Novices’ Hurdle. He is unbeaten in three outings over flights, finds loads for pressure, and looks the ideal type for this event.
Sadlers Wings, who has won both his hurdle races to date, at Punchestown and Navan, with any amount in hand, is an obvious worry.
It will be a big surprise should Ireland fail to win the Bumper and, following much soul- searching, the vote goes to John Kiely’s smashing mare, Blazing Liss. She is unbeaten in three races, winning with plenty in hand on each occasion. She is in the care of a master handler and the word is that her recent homework has been most encouraging.
Selections
2.00 Inglis Drever (n.b)
2.35 Calling Brave
3.20 Azertyuiop (nap)
4.00 Mughas
4.35 Silver Birch
5.10 Jakari
5.45 Blazing Liss
