Barati may lead Triumph Hurdle charge

Leading Irish trainer Michael O’Brien could rely on Barati in the JCB Triumph Hurdle at the Cheltenham Festival.

Although without a win over jumps, Barati has shown progressive form in his three starts over hurdles and most recently finished a two-length second to Strangely Brown on soft going at Leopardstown earlier this month.

“He would be improving with every run and better ground would suit him - you’d see a better horse,” O’Brien told At The Races.

“He was third at Punchestown where he didn’t seem to get the trip in the heavy ground. He then stepped up again at Leopardstown where he only folded up in the last 50 yards.

“I’d imagine with the better ground at Cheltenham and that he’s improving with each run, he’d have a decent each-way chance I would have thought.”

Barati is a top-priced 25-1 for the Triumph Hurdle with Bet365.