Nicky Henderson hopes to continue his red-hot form as the unbeaten Mr Whipped targets a first graded win in Warwick’s Ballymore Leamington Novices' Hurdle (3pm).
Henderson has produced 10 winners from 25 runners in the last fortnight, posting an impressive strike rate of 40% but will not be at the races this afternoon as he is getting married.
The five-year-old stepped up from his encouraging point-to-point win to strike stylishly at Kempton on his racecourse debut, before following up in a competitive contest at Newbury last month.
This is the biggest test for Nicky Henderson’s novice, who is currently a 14-1 chance for the Albert Bartlett at the Cheltenham Festival.
“He cost his owners a few quid but he’s done nothing wrong in two runs for me and I hope he can continue his progression,” Henderson told his Unibet blog.
“I think he’s a lovely horse and there are lots of positives going into this race, not least the ground and trip.
“Whatever he does over hurdles will be a bonus as he’ll be a wonderful chaser in time but I’d like to think he’d be up to this standard over timber.”
Emma Lavelle is hopeful that recent Hereford winner Paisley Park can step up after an impressive debut win over hurdles last time out.
“We know he stays, he'll go in the ground so we haven't got much to lose, really.
“I think he's a nice horse. Is he good enough to win a race like this? I don't know, but he does everything right at home and I think he deserves his place.”
Evan Williams’ unbeaten Chooseyourweapon and Nigel Twiston-Davies’ improving Count Meribel are key players in the race, whilst Cave Top and Knight In Dubai also take their chance.
TIP: Mr Whipped has been fantastic in all three victories so far and he certainly sets the standard amongst these at Warwick. I think he could be a very classy prospect and I expect him to take the beating here. I think Paisley Park could be a good each-way bet.
