'Is it Groundhog Day?' - Punxsutawney Phil bids for unique holiday double

What could be more fitting than a win for Punxsutawney Phil on Groundhog Day? Consecutive wins for Punxsutawney Phil on Groundhog Day, that's what.

The Brian Ellison-trained five-year-old struck on his debut in a bumper at Newcastle at 9-2 on this day last year and bids to repeat the feat in the closing 2m4½f handicap hurdle (3.50) at Leicester.

The most famous ceremony around the North American tradition involves Punxsutawney Phil in Pennsylvania and featured in the 1993 film Groundhog Day – a favourite movie of owner-breeder Dan Gilbert.

Asked if there could be a Groundhog Day repeat at Leicester on Wednesday afternoon, Gilbert replied: “Is it Groundhog Day?!”

Punxsutawney Phil takes a big drop in grade having run with credit in 0-140 company at Cheltenham on his two most recent outings. He now contests a 0-110 event, carrying top weight of 12st with Henry Brooke on his back.

Gilbert said: “We gave him a break after his last run at Cheltenham as he had a hard race and we ran him over the wrong trip really. He’s back up in trip and down in class, so hopefully he should go well.

“We’ve not really had this race in mind for weeks on end, I’ve just been scanning for two-and-a-half-mile handicap hurdles and in the lowest grade we can get him in. He’s quite a big horse and should be fine with the weight.”

Cormier: successful for owner-breeder Dan Gilbert at Cheltenham on SaturdayCredit: Getty Images

Gilbert enjoyed Cheltenham success on Saturday with Cormier, who has gone up 4lb for his half-length win in the 2m1f handicap hurdle. A return in March is likely for the County Hurdle or Coral Cup.

He said: “We were delighted with him at the weekend and he might go to Kelso for the Morebattle Hurdle next. If the ground gets too bad or we don’t like the look of that, it'll be the County Hurdle or Coral Cup for him."

Do our experts give him a chance?

Spotlight verdict:Best effort when fourth of 11 at Cheltenham (2m5f, good) in November; possibly unsuited by a drop in trip there next time; down in grade here and could bounce back with his stable among the winners

Read more . . .

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