Big names on trial for Triumph

A murky Triumph Hurdle picture could become a lot clearer after Saturday’s JCB Triumph Hurdle Trial at Cheltenham.

Grumeti, Sadler’s Risk, Baby Mix, Hinterland and Hollow Tree figure prominently in the ante-post betting for the Festival heat, and are all engaged this weekend.

The Alan King-trained Grumeti looked set to stretch his unbeaten record over hurdles at Newbury last week before falling at the second-last.

Sadler’s Risk, now with Philip Hobbs, was a very easy winner on his hurdling debut at Kempton.

Baby Mix, a French import for Tom George, last month oozed class when beating the previously unbeaten Hinterland, who could reoppose on better terms on Saturday.

Hinterland’s trainer Paul Nicholls could also run Pearl Swan, a winner on his debut last week.

Donald McCain’s Hollow Tree is already a Grade One winner, having taken the Finale Juvenile Hurdle at Chepstow.

Finale runner-up Countrywide Flame is also entered in the race, registered as the Finesse Juvenile Hurdle.

Brilliant Barca, Colebrooke, Fulgora, Tango De Juilley, High Samana, Jackies Solitaire and Ninfea complete the 14-strong list at the six-day stage.