Hardy bids for Ascot double

Dual Champion Hurdle hero Hardy Eustace heads a smart field of eight as he bids for back-to-back victories in the Coral Ascot Hurdle at the English venue tomorrow.

The Irish star, trained by Dessie Hughes, had a prep run on the Flat at the Curragh a month ago.

The 10-year-old faces a tough task as he takes on Wichita Lineman, himself a winner at last season's Cheltenham Festival.

Afsoun, who finished one place ahead of Hardy Eustace in this year’s Champion Hurdle when third, represents Nicky Henderson.

Detroit City, who was only sixth that day, is out to redeem his reputation.

There is a second Irish runner in Charlie Swan’s Cloone River while a top-quality line-up is completed by David Pipe’s Lough Derg, John Quinn’s Kings Quay and Overstrand.

Philip Hobbs hopes Detroit City can erase the memory of two disappointing runs at the end of last season.

The Terry Warner-owned grey was sent off a well-backed 6-4 favourite for the Champion Hurdle, having previously won eight consecutive races including the Cesarewitch and Boylesports International.

However, Detroit City proved bitterly disappointing at Cheltenham and flopped again at Aintree to leave connections scratching their heads.

Hobbs said: “He’s certainly very fresh and well at home and we’re very happy with him, but we’ll find out when he runs.

“There were three main problems last year. His back was a bit of a problem, he had a breathing operation and he also had stomach ulcers.

“Those three things separately probably wouldn’t have been enough (to explain things), but together they just might have been.

“All three things together might have had quite a big influence on his disappointments at the end of last season and we’ll find out more on Saturday.”

Hobbs believes the extended two-mile-three-furlong trip will suit Detroit City and will see how he performs before electing whether to step back in trip or take the staying route in the future.

“I’d be very disappointed if he doesn’t get the trip very well because he’s always been staying on very well,” Hobbs told Racing UK.

“I’m sure he’ll do that, and the way that he runs on Saturday will probably determine which way we go afterwards.”