Can smart chaser Dusart give weight all round over hurdles on his reappearance?

Friday: 3.35 Cheltenham
Citipost Handicap Hurdle | 3m | 4yo+ | ITV4/RTV

At Fishers Cross used this race as a springboard to top-level glory a decade ago and this year we might have another Grade 1 horse whose handicap days are numbered in Dusart.

This unexposed seven-year-old has lost only twice and both were creditable efforts in defeat at the highest level.

Dusart found his niche as a stayer last term and deserves plenty of recognition for placing in the Top Novices’ Hurdle over two miles and half a furlong two seasons ago.

That was just his second start and he probably experienced a bit of a culture shock when fifth in the Brown Advisory Novices’ Chase in March.

It was his first run on soft ground and L’Homme Presse, Ahoy Senor, Gaillard Du Mesnil and Capodanno have each enhanced the form in subsequent runs.

Dusart is the obvious favourite here running off a 5lb lower hurdles mark of 150 on his seasonal return, although punters are advised to tread carefully.

He arrives following the double whammy of wind and back surgery and this is a softer starting point than the Coral Gold Cup that was cited as Dusart’s initial early-season aim. That he begins his campaign here raises a few eyebrows, although finding a better-handicapped horse to oppose him with is a challenge.

This is a field littered with exposed runners and Annual Invictus might be the value each-way play to capitalise on any Dusart vulnerabilities.

Annual Invictus landed a similar handicap off 4lb lower on the Old course in November in which the well-backed market leader and second favourite both came down four out.

Nonetheless, it was a gritty performance and the result opens up doors for Annual Invictus as it was his first attempt at three miles in a hurdle race.

It is another plus that Chris Gordon has turned to the bang-in-form Harry Cobden, who strikes at 38 per cent (5-13) for the yard for a £12 profit to £1 stakes.
Analysis by Robbie Wilders

'I've always held him in high regard' - All eyes on Dusart

Expect plenty of attention to be on the Nicky Henderson-trained Dusart, who could be a smart staying chaser this term, but starts over hurdles.

Well thought of by Henderson from an early stage, he won three of his four starts over fences last season and was fancied for the Coral Gold Cup but did not make that race.

Nicky Henderson: two runners for the top trainerCredit: Edward Whitaker

Henderson, who also runs Captain Morgs, said: "I've been looking for a race for Dusart and I just thought it might do him good to have a run over hurdles.

"We're not really building to any big targets just yet, I just want to get him on the track and I've always held him in high regard. He's just taken time to come to hand this autumn, but hopefully he's ready now."

Captain Morgs has six seconds on his CV from 14 starts and Henderson added: "He's consistent - consistently second! He's got cheekpieces on for the first time in this race, so I hope they'll help.

"He was second to our Call Me Lord last time and I'd take another one-two with him and Dusart either way round, but Captain Morgs is well capable of winning a decent race."

What they say

Jenny Gordon, wife of Chris Gordon, trainer of Annual Invictus
The horse is in great form and we couldn't have been more thrilled with him winning at the track last time – he was so tough and kept finding. Hopefully he'll run well again and this was a natural next step.

Uhtred represents Dan SkeltonCredit: Harry Trump (Getty Images)

Dan Skelton, trainer of Uhtred
He definitely wants three miles, which is something I've worked out since I've had him. It's a good race, but let's have a go and see what information we get from it. He's been in good company, so I think he can be competitive in these races.

Jonjo O'Neill Jr, jockey of Flight Deck
He can be a little inconsistent but he ran well a lot last season and I thought his last run was a step in the right direction. He'll have to come forward from that to be running well in this.

Richard Rowe, trainer of Up The Straight
He's back over hurdles for a confidence booster as he jumped a bit cautiously at Ascot last time. I hope the ground doesn't get tacky with the frost covers on, and the trip is a bit of an experiment. Ascot was three miles, but he wouldn't have won at two miles that day, so we didn't find out much. I know he jumps hurdles well, so if he doesn't get three miles, I'll know where to go on his next chase start.
Reporting by James Burn

Friday previews:

1.30 Bangor: Only The Bold sets the standard as he bids to maintain perfect record for Pipe

2.25 Cheltenham: 'Why will he win? It's a hard question to answer, but he should go well'

Cheltenham Friday: Too good to be true? Constitution Hill's only conqueror tackles handicap off 136

Sign up here. 18+. New UK & ROI customers only. Minimum deposit £/€5. Minimum first £/€5 bet at minimum odds 1/2 to qualify for 1x £/€20 free bet. Certain deposit methods and bet types excluded. Free bet valid for seven days. Stake not returned. Restrictions and T&Cs apply.