CHELTENHAM: Oscar’s class to shine through in World Hurdle
Doubts regarding his ability to stay three miles were washed away, at least for this observer, at Cheltenham in late January.
On a very testing surface, Nicky Henderson’s charge was only beaten a head into second by mud-loving Reve De Sivola and has to be fancied to reverse placings, on what promises to be a much better surface.
The selection is the class horse of the contest and, if he truly stays, will take all the beating.
The ground is gone against Reve De Sivola and the word over here isn’t overly positive for him in any case.
Bog Warrior will arrive in fine shape, fresh from some confidence restoring successes at home, but is best suited by heavy ground.
The decision to run First Lieutenant in the Ryanair Chase, in preference to tomorrow’s Gold Cup, can reap a rich dividend. He looked unlikely to stay three and a quarter miles anyway and this two miles and five should suit admirably.
In typical Mouse Morris style, he has been rested since getting touched off by Tidal Bay in the Lexus at Leopardstown at Christmas and can be expected to strip in the form of his life.
He has already shown his liking as well for the delights of this track, winning the Neptune Novice Hurdle two years ago and taking second to Bobs Worth in the RSA Chase last year
Another you could possibly describe as being re-routed, Dynaste, looks the answer to the Jewson Novices’ Chase.
He might just as easily have gone for yesterday’s RSA Chase, but would have been opposable over three miles.
This two and a half looks perfect and Dynaste has done all that has been required of this season, winning three times with loads in hand, at Cheltenham, Newbury and Kempton.
