Graeme Rodway explains why it might be the time to side with classy hurdler

2.45 Wincanton
Betway Kingwell Hurdle (Grade 2) | 1m7½f | 4yo+ | ITV/RTV

This was once recognised as a genuine trial for the Champion Hurdle but there haven’t been many contenders emerge from it in recent years and only one of the six-strong field holds an entry for the Cheltenham Tuesday feature.

Elgin finished fifth in the Champion Hurdle in 2018, three places ahead of the reopposing Ch’tibello, and that was after giving 4lb and a beating to that rival in this race a month earlier. The tables are turned here with Ch’tibello having to concede 4lb this time.

In simple form terms it should be a straightforward task for Elgin to confirm the places. However, the worrying matter of a 582-day absence leaves a question mark over whether Elgin is still able to reproduce that level and there’s an element of guesswork involved in just how fit he will be for this belated return. He has run well fresh in the past, though.

A quick glance back at the Alan King stable tour in November could be revealing. The trainer said that a wind op had held up Elgin, but the only race he name-checked as a potential target was the Kingwell Hurdle. It’s fair to assume King has had this race in mind for a long time.

This Grade 2 is the ideal type of race for a horse like him, who falls short of top class and is hard to place, so I’ll be surprised if Elgin isn’t close to his peak for this return.

Quel Destin and Song For Someone are the two improvers in the line-up and the former comes here after a huge career best at Sandown last time. However, that was a tactical race and I’m not convinced runner-up Call Me Lord was at his best in such a small field.

It’s possible Quel Destin was flattered by that performance and Song For Someone’s best form has come in competitive handicaps. He will be facing a different test in this event and speed might not be his major asset. He drops four furlongs in trip and may be found out.
Graeme Rodway

Key stat

No horse older than eight has landed this prize in the last ten years and that could be bad news for nine-year-old Ch’tibello.

What the trainers say

Alan King, trainer of Elgin
He won the race a couple of years ago but has been off for for the past 18 months with a tendon issue. He's a big gross horse so it is likely he will come on for the run.

Harry Skelton, rider of Ch'tibello
He's in good nick and there are no problems with the ground. I hope he can go one better this time around as he has been runner-up in the race on two occasions.

Paul Nicholls, trainer of Quel Destin
There is rain forecast, which will not do his chances any harm as he loved similar conditions when winning at Sandown. He has his chance.

Nigel Twiston-Davies, trainer of Zambella
She's a bit out of her depth on the face of it, but it’s a Grade 2 and we want to try and get some black type for her.

Get free tipping content with The Punt from 7.30am daily on the Racing Post mobile app and 8.30am on the website