Richard Mann looks at the Sun Bets Stayers' Hurdle and gives his in-depth lowdown on the runners, including Supasundae and Sam Spinner.
Supasundae
Coral Cup hero at this meeting last year who ran Apple’s Jade very close over Christmas before dropping back to two miles to give Faugheen a beating in the Irish Champion Hurdle. The return to this longer trip is expected to suit this high-class operator, although the prospect of testing ground could stretch his stamina reserves like never before.
Sam Spinner
The big hope from the north who has enjoyed a tremendous season so far, landing a valuable handicap at Haydock in imperious fashion before beating a few of these easily in the Long Walk Hurdle at Ascot. Still only a six-year-old, he looks to have the world at his feet, though he might not be allowed to dominate from the front in a renewal as strong as this one.
Yanworth
A fascinating runner in this race having been campaigned over fences all season. Didn’t appear to be in love with the larger obstacles but it’s a sign of his class that he was able to overcome some sloppy jumping to win the BetBright Dipper Novices’ Chase in that code on New Years’ Day. Excels at this track and stays really well so must be respected despite his unconventional preparation.
Bacardys
Another strong stayer and he beat Finian’s Oscar to land a Grade One contest at the Punchestown Festival last spring. Third in the Champion Bumper here back in 2016 so clearly handles this track and, like Yanworth, reverts to hurdles following a frustrating novice chase campaign earlier in the season.
Unowhatimeanharry
A good third when sent off favourite for this race last year having dominated the division throughout the season. Hasn’t looked the same force so far this term but Harry Fry’s stable are going much better now and this fella will appreciate every drop of rain that falls on Cheltenham. He could be the forgotten horse in the race.
L’Ami Sege
Classy operator who has run some mighty races in his career to date, including when landing the French Champion Hurdle last year. Likes to pounce off a strong gallop so should be suited by the way this race unfolds, though he was unable to get past Sam Spinner when their paths crossed at Ascot and he might face the same problem here.
The New One
Old warrior who tries this longer race for the first time having spent the last few years running his heart out in the Champion Hurdle. Has enjoyed plenty of big days away from here, his four Champion Hurdle Trial victories at Haydock standing out, and he acts well on deep ground. Such conditions will place a greater emphasis on his untested stamina, though.
Penhill
Classy Flat performer who hasn’t always found hurdling quite as easy as first expected. However, he got his act together when proving victorious in the Albert Bartlett last year and staying looks to be his game. Hasn’t been sighted since running at Punchestown the following the month but as we have seen already this week, his master handler can be expected to have him spot on for the big day.
Lil Rockerfeller
A real crowd favourite who wears his heart on his sleeve and invariably gives it his best shot. Ran a fine race when only narrowly touched off in this race last year and returns for another crack at this prize twelve months on following another solid campaign. Won’t mind the ground and could give his supporters a good run for their money.
Wholestone
Tough sort who has a touch class of class about him, too. Goes particularly well at this track and has won four times here already, including when beating a good field on New Years’ Day. Had to settle for second spot in the Cleeve Hurdle subsequently, though, and Daryl Jacob has opted to ride L’Ami Serge on this occasion.
The Worlds End
Looked to have the world at his feet when claiming Grade One honours at Aintree last spring but this season hasn’t really gone to plan. Has finished a long way behind Sam Spinner on a couple of occasions and his latest run when only fourth in the Cleeve Hurdle was a long way below what is required in a race of this calibre.
Let’s Dance
Very smart mare on her day who landed the Mares’ Novices’ Hurdle at the Festival last year. Hasn’t been the easiest to catch right so far in this campaign but she showed what she is capable of when running away with a Grade Three contest at Leopardstown over Christmas. More on her plate here, however.
Old Guard
Fine servant to connections and has enjoyed another fruitful campaign, winning three times. Was right at the top of his game when beating Lil Rockerfeller at Fontwell recently but beaten by Wholestone here earlier in the season and the suspicion remains that he will just come up short at this elevated level.
Colin’s Sister
Has remained in good heart since beating Wholestone at Wetherby back in November and ran another perfectly respectable race when finishing third here when last sighted. Another who has a bit to find in order to trouble the very best of these but she should give yet another good account of herself.
Augusta Kate
Lightly-raced mare who has always had plenty of ability and boasts some useful form to boot. Beat Let’s Dance to claim Grade One glory at Fairyhouse back in April and her most recent effort, when chasing home Presenting Percy, was another creditable showing. Handles testing ground fine but she is yet another with a fair bit to find on official ratings.
Donna’s Diamond
Looks set to go off a big price but he comes into this on the back of a Grade Two success at Haydock. Conditions were particularly testing on that occasion so he should be at home on the ground this week and might still be on the upgrade.
Verdict:
Sam Spinner is the big hope from the north and is hard to fault on what he has produced so far this season, his Grade One Long Walk Hurdle success preceded by a demolition of a valuable handicap in the Haydock mud. The ground again looks to have come right for Jedd O’Keeffe’s charge, but he has no secrets from anyone now, and whether jockey Joe Colliver is allowed to dominate from the front like he has previously could well determine where the prize goes. Supasundae looms a huge danger following his impressive Irish Champion Hurdle victory but Yanworth was seemingly able to expose his stamina limitations at Aintree last spring and the latter, a late addition to this race after novice chase plans were shelved with him, looks sure to stay all the way to the line again. His record at this track is very impressive, too, while Bacardys has always thrived when faced with a good test and trainer Willie Mullins is highly likely to have him primed to a tee for the big day.
- 1. Sam Spinner
- 2. Yanworth
- 3. Supasundae
