Talking horses: With conditions in his favour Metier can enhance Cheltenham credentials

The first Grade One of the new year takes place on the second day of 2021 and the exciting Metier can record a third victory over obstacles by winning the Unibet Tolworth Novices’ Hurdle at Sandown.

A useful but unspectacular sort on the Flat when trained in Ireland by Andy Slattery, the son of Mastercraftsman was gelded and underwent wind surgery before making a winning debut for Harry Fry on heavy ground in Newton Abbot in late October.