High hopes for Straw Bear at Cheltenham

Tony McCoy hopes Straw Bear can acquit himself well when he returns to action in Saturday’s Boylesports.com International Hurdle at Cheltenham.

The Nick Gifford-trained six-year-old has not been seen since pulling up in the Champion Hurdle in March, but posted a smooth success in the Grade One “Fighting Fifth” at Newcastle earlier in the season.

McCoy, who has partnered Straw Bear in all his races over timber, told At The Races: “He’s been going pretty well and I think he’s rated pretty similar to Afsoun.

“I think they’re both rated 161, but obviously Sublimity is going to be the one they’ve all got to beat.

“Katchit is rated 161 as well so on the ratings they’re all pretty level, with the exception of Sublimity.”

John Carr’s Champion Hurdle hero remains a solid favourite for the Grade Two showpiece at the weekend – although Stan James have seen support for fellow Irish raider Macs Joy and Nicky Henderson’s Afsoun.

The Wantage firm cut the former to 5-1 from 13-2, while Afsoun – who has also been supported with Coral – trades at 4s having previously been half a point bigger.

Stan James spokesman Neil Morrice said: “Jessica Harrington has had Macs Joy running consistently well at the top level for what seems an eternity and our clients latched onto him as a solid proposition for the old Bula Hurdle.”