Another Stayers' Hurdle win for JP McManus? Support for The Wallpark ahead of Grade 1 Cheltenham Festival bid

The Grade 1 Stayers' Hurdle headlines day three of the Cheltenham Festival and the JP McManus-owned The Wallpark has come in for plenty of support to rival long-term race favourite Teahupoo.

A course-and-distance winner in the Pertemps Network Handicap Hurdle at the Showcase meeting in October, the Gordon Elliott-trained seven-year-old has been backed into 4-1 (from 13-2) second favourite with Paddy Power.

Paddy Power Stayers' Hurdle, Thursday 4.00
Paddy Power: 11-8 Teahupoo, 4 The Wallpark, 6 Home By The Lee, 13-2 Lucky Place, 12 Langer Dan, 16 Bob Olinger, 18 Mystical Power, 25 Bar.

Acquired by leading owner McManus in December, The Wallpark posted a career-best effort on Racing Post Ratings when beating Gowel Road by two-and-a-half lengths. The form of the race has worked out well, as the runner-up landed the Cleeve Hurdle over this three-mile trip on Trials day.

The Wallpark completed a four-timer that day and although he was unable to follow up in the Long Walk Hurdle at Ascot in December, he still matched his 152 rating when only three-and-a-half lengths behind Crambo.

The Wallpark16:00 Cheltenham

View Racecard

Jky: Mark Walsh Tnr: Gordon Elliott

Racing Post analysis (after Ascot defeat)

Acquitted himself well stepping up from handicap company and he can make a bigger impact at Graded level on another day, just caught too far back in a race which didn't seem to place enough emphasis on stamina for him, staying on strongly from the last.

The Wallpark has caught the eye of Racing Post tipsters, including Tom Segal. Speaking on In The Know, he said: "I think the stiffer track will be right in his favour, with the longer run-in on the New course."

Meanwhile, tipster Robbie Wilders said: "He was a mad price for ages and he's now finally where he should be in the market. It looks like the plan could be coming together. 

"I was delighted when he was taken out of the Pertemps because he's been a big eyecatcher the last twice. He put in a really good time when beating Gowel Road and the form is working out pretty well. 

"I thought he was one to take out of the Long Walk Hurdle considering where he came from in a race that wasn't run to suit. He's going to be finishing strongly and he ticks the box of course form."

Watch In The Know

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