King hoping to rule with Penzance
Alan King is aware of the task facing his four-year-old Penzance as he puts his unbeaten record on the line in tomorrow’s JCB Triumph Hurdle at Cheltenham.
The son of Pennekamp has developed into one of the smartest juveniles around, having won each of his three starts over timber in good style, including a seven-length defeat of Amarula Ridge in a Grade Two contest at Kempton last month.
Said King: “He has done everything that has been asked of him, and came out of the race at Kempton well.
“Of course this is a big step up and he will have to improve a bit on what he has shown so far. But he is definitely progressive, and I hope he runs well.”
Penzance was not extended in his other victories at Huntingdon and Taunton, and was one of the Barbury Castle handler’s rare bets, King having backed him at 40-1 for the Triumph before his first outing.
Nicky Richards is confident that Faasel will produce a decent performance tomorrow, when he will wear a visor for the first time over hurdles.
A big-money purchase from Kevin Prendergast in Ireland last summer, Faasel won cosily on his debut at Kelso in January before scoring again twice the following month.
He then lost no caste in defeat back at the Borders track earlier this month when just beaten by an older rival in the smart Mephisto in a Grade Two event.
“He used to run with a visor when he was trained by Kevin, and we will stick it on tomorrow,” said the Greystoke handler.
“We did school him with it on just to check that he didn’t reject it. It didn’t affect his jumping, although you don’t know whether he will reject it tomorrow. I would say that it would not be a problem.
“The fast pace will suit him, although it would not matter whether they went fast or slow.”
Richards has few concerns about the ground at Prestbury Park either, pointing out the horse’s form for Prendergast, where he was smart on the Flat at around 12 furlongs.
“He has run on all variety of grounds over in Ireland. They may water it, but it will be proper jumping ground. I just would never run him on really fast ground, as he is still one for the future.
“He is in great order, but so laid-back. When I first got him, I rang Kevin to make sure that he was always like that, and Kevin told me that he would come alive on the racecourse, and he did.”
Brian Ellison is expecting a big run from Carte Diamond.
The colt has already proved a money-spinner for the Malton trainer having been bought out of Mark Johnston’s stable for 105,000 guineas at the Newmarket Sales.
On his first run for his new connections he lifted the November Handicap at Doncaster, and has won two of his three starts over hurdles.
He will be ridden for the first time tomorrow by Richard Johnson, and Ellison believes the jockey will suit Carte Diamond.
“We are very hopeful. Richard likes to ride handy and he won’t be far off the pace tomorrow,” Ellison told Racing UK.
“The horse is in good form. He worked brilliantly on the Fibresand at Southwell last week. He worked with Zibeline, gave him 10lb and was never off the bridle.”
Owner Andy Stewart is convinced his runner Phar Bleu, trained by Georgie Brown, could run well at a big price.
“He’s very well indeed. Paddy Brennan was on board when he worked at Wincanton the other day and it was hard to hold him,” said Stewart.
“He’s 50-1 and I think he represents absolutely outstanding each-way value.”
Howard Johnson is expecting a big run from the 11-2 favourite Akilak. He made a big impression on his debut at Cheltenham in January when taking a hot-looking juvenile contest from Yankeedoodledandy before winning the Victor Ludorum at Haydock last month.
“I love him, and he will run a big race,” said the County Durham trainer.
JCB Triumph Hurdle betting:
William Hill: 11-2 Akilak, 13-2 Penzance, 15-2 Carte Diamond, Cerium, 15-2 Faasel, 12-1 Strangely Brown, Yankeedoodledandy, 16-1 Barati, Danaw, 18-1 Etendard Indien, 20-1 Admiral, 22-1 Majlis, 25-1 Diego Cao, 28-1 Loyal Focus, 33-1 bar.
Ladbrokes: 11-2 Akilak, 7-1 Penzance, Carte Diamond, 8-1 Cerium, Faasel, 11-1 Strangely Brown, Yankeedoodledandy, 14-1 Barati, 16-1 Danaw, 20-1 Admiral, Majlis, 22-1 Etendard Indien, Bonbon Rose, 25-1 Diego Cao, Loyal Focus, 33-1 bar.
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