Ben Pauling’s highly regarded Le Breuil hopes to prove his class as he takes on a competitive field in Ascot’s Holloway Hurdle this afternoon.
The six-year-old was a high-class novice last year winning two good contests in impressive style. He struggled when fifth on return, before finishing second at Aintree last time.
Black Ivory, who beat him by six lengths, has subsequently won again boosting the form of that race, and Le Breuil’s connections are expecting a big performance.
“Le Breuil just needed the run at Kempton on his reappearance,” jockey Daryl Jacob told his SportingLife column.
“He then went up to Aintree and tried to give weight away ground that was too soft for him.
“Conditions at Ascot should be much more suitable for him. He’s a horse we really like and I’d be hopeful of a very big run.”
The much-talked-about Jenkins finally got his head in front when winning at Kempton last Saturday and Nicky Henderson’s hurdler hopes to shrug off an 11lb rise from the handicapper. Young jockey James Bowen takes the ride, seeking another big Saturday win in the saddle.
The Champion trainer is also represented by Burbank, who finished fourth in last year’s Neptune at Cheltenham. He struggled on his chasing debut, and reverts back to the smaller obstacles.
Caid du Lin was second in a similar handicap last month, whilst Thorpe and Oxwich Bay come here following impressive wins last time out.
Irish challenger Crossed My Mind finished third at Sandown on his first run in the UK, whilst narrow Exeter loser Night Of Sin lines up for Nick Williams.
Charlie Longsdon duo Monty’s Award and Vivas are joined by the likes of Man Of Plenty, Whatmore, Air Horse One and Jabulani.
TIP: I spoke to Ben Pauling at the start of the season, and he said this horse could turn out to be a Graded performer. Le Bruil is improving and there should be a lot more to come from him. He will relish the conditions and I expect a big run from him today. Oxwich Bay is my each-way fancy.
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