Bass reckons Global Citizen has each-way chance in Champion Hurdle

David Bass believes Haydock trial winner Global Citizen has each-way claims in the Unibet Champion Hurdle a fortnight on Tuesday.

The seven-year-old, trained by Ben Pauling, finished fourth behind Verdana Blue in the Christmas Hurdle at Kempton in December but bounced back to form last month with a three-length victory in the Champion Hurdle Trial at Haydock.

Dual race winner Buveur D’Air, Apple’s Jade andLaurina are the market principals for the £450,000 showpiece on day one of theCheltenham Festival, with Global Citizen available at a general 33-1 for what will be his first run at the track.

Watch the Champion Hurdle Trial at Haydock

Bass, whose other festival mounts could include Vinndication and Rocky’s Treasure, said: “Global Citizen was good at Haydock last time and I’m hopeful he has place claims. I think he’ll handle the track and the one thing he certainly will do is stay well.

“He will see the trip out nicely around Cheltenham and if Ben can find a bit more improvement from his run at Haydock, then he certainly goes there with an each-way chance.

“I feel lucky to be going to the festival with some nice rides and look forward to it – the big days are what it’s all about.”

Ben Pauling is euphoric alongside David Bass after Willoughby Court's Neptune victoryCredit: Edward Whitaker

Bass, who enjoyed Grade 1 success at the festival on the Pauling-trained Willoughby Court in the Neptune in 2017, feels Buveur D’Air is the one to fear most, despite his defeat in the Christmas Hurdle.

He said: “Buveur D’Air is a dual winner and hasn’t been given the credit he deserves. He’s the one to beat.

“He may have been beaten in the Christmas Hurdle but Nicky [Henderson] will get improvement out of him for Cheltenham.

“Apple’s Jade is very consistent and tough but will have to run to a career best to beat Buveur D’Air.”

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