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Straw Bear is clear at Wincanton.
Straw Bear appeared right back to his best when posting an authoritative victory in the Bathwick Tyres Kingwell Hurdle at Wincanton - but trainer Nick Gifford immediately played down his charge's Cheltenham Festival hopes. Tony McCoy flew in by helicopter from Ascot to partner the chestnut for owner JP McManus, who was making a rare visit to the Somerset track. Two weeks previously at Sandown, Straw Bear had run Smurfit Kappa Champion Hurdle favourite Detroit City to less than two lengths but rather than holding him up again, McCoy soon kicked on from the front. The 8-11 favourite had his only serious rival Afsoun hard at work straightening for home and never let up for a seven-length success, while Trouble At Bay plugged on for third. "They went quicker today and the reason we came here was to jump at speed," Gifford explained. "I still think we're still chasing places in the Champion because, with no disrespect to Afsoun, the Irish horses have been there and done it. "We gave him one schooling session after Sandown, where we had left a little to work on, but that should put him spot-on." Afsoun's trainer Nicky Henderson looked a little disappointed but said: "I have absolutely no excuses and I thought Straw Bear was impressive today. "Mick Fitzgerald said he jumped and travelled well. Trevor (Hemmings, owner) was not here so we'll have to think about the future."
