Brain Power’s time over fences will surely be assigned to the past after he reappeared over the smaller obstacles to good effect to win the International Hurdle at Cheltenham for Nicky Henderson.
His impressive win at 7-1 in testing conditions has seen him emerge as a challenger to his treble-seeking stablemate Buveur d'Air for the Champion Hurdle at the festival in March.
“The engine’s still there,” said jockey Nico de Boinville from aboard his back. “Even on that ground. I don’t think he’s as natural over fences after he is over hurdles.”
The evidence of his season of novice chasing would suggest as much, with a record of (1,UR,F,2,F) in that sphere showing that his talent is seen to better effect over hurdles.
Early quotes of 25/1 for March perhaps might underestimate the mark this able type can make back in this division, with the Henderson runner idling out in front after being squeezed forward to go and win by De Boinville and coping with the task with ease.
A fairytale story for the three-time winner of this race, The New One was denied as, despite burning bright for a time out in front, the old star faded and fell back through the field to be passed by his younger rivals, and might well be retired by connections.
Silver Streak plugged on admirably up the hill to stick closest to Brain Power, while Wester Ryder was back in third.
Summerville Boy, last year’s Supreme Novices’ winner, was disappointing for a second consecutive start on the spin and there must be concerns from connections over whether he’ll live up to that sort of form again for them.
