RACING NEWS:PAUL NICHOLLS is confident Celestial Halo can build on last month's impressive Wincanton success in the Boylesports.com International Hurdle at Cheltenham on Saturday.
Last year’s Champion Hurdle runner-up had no problem defying top-weight in the Elite Hurdle and his trainer believes his charge is in even better form now as he prepares to lock horns with his Cheltenham conqueror Punjabi, trained by Nicky Henderson, again.
“Celestial Halo is in good order. He came out of his race at Wincanton very well – he surprised me there with his performance – and he looks like he has improved a lot for the run,” said the Ditcheat handler.
“He was at a similar stage at Wincanton as Twist Magic was in the Haldon Gold Cup on his seasonal return.
“We saw how much Twist Magic had improved on Saturday and hopefully Celestial Halo has gone the same way.
“He was a good stayer on the Flat and he needs a good gallop. I will have to chat to Clive Smith to see if he will let us have Kauto Star as a pacemaker!
“Last year, he was four going on five and is much stronger and more mature this season.
“He likes Cheltenham and I am very happy with him.
“He needs to improve as he is taking on Punjabi but we are hoping for a good run.
“We have also entered Oslot and, if it looks like there is likely to be no pace, we might run him to ensure a good gallop.”
Alan King is set to be represented by Medermit who was third on his first outing of the campaign in the Greatwood Hurdle.
“The plan is to run Medermit. We did think about novice chasing but we want to make up our minds one way or the other after Saturday,” said the Barbury Castle trainer.
“We think that he has improved since running well under top-weight in the Greatwood and it is a question of whether we aim him at the Champion Hurdle or the Arkle Trophy.
“Deep down, I have a feeling that he is not a Champion Hurdle horse, but we will see on Saturday. He was unlucky not to win the Supreme Novices’ Hurdle last season and he ran very well in the Greatwood Hurdle.
“I am looking forward to seeing him out again.”
Greatwood Hurdle winner Khyber Kim could represent Nigel Twiston-Davies, while Oliver Brady’s Ebadiyan is the sole Irish entry.
Ashkazar, Cape Tribulation, Secret Dancer and Songe complete the possibles.
Willie Mullins has left three in the mix for Saturday’s Boylesports.com Gold Cup at Cheltenham.
The champion trainer could be represented by Scotsirish, Jayo and Pomme Tiepy.
Edward O’Grady has taken out Paddy Power Gold Cup hero Tranquil Sea as expected, but could still be represented having left in Sky’s The Limit.
Gwanako and Our Vic have been left at the head of the weights.
Gwanako unseated his rider on his first start of the season at Ascot and is one of three possible runners for trainer Paul Nicholls along with Chapoturgeon and Poquelin.
Our Vic gained his first victory since April of last year at Warwick on Sunday and his trainer David Pipe also has Tamarinbleu and Seven Is My Number, a winner at Sandown on Friday, to choose from.
Nicky Richards could saddle the talented Skippers Brig, while Razor Royale, Hold Em and Au Courant are other interesting contenders.
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