'He has a live chance' - which trainer is looking forward to the better ground?

SunPertemps Network Group Handicap Hurdle (Class 2) | 3m | 5yo+ | ITV4/RTV

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This is the tenth of 14 Pertemps qualifiers before the final at the Cheltenham Festival.

In the past horses rated in the high-120s and low-130s have struggled to get into the final, but the minimum rating to be assured of a run has declined in each of the last five years.

The Henry de Bromhead-trained Milliner squeezed in off a BHA mark of 126 last season, whereas four years earlier qualified horses rated below 137 missed out.

If that trend continues, the majority of this field are weighted to be assured of their place in March provided they finish in the first six here, although such comments don't apply to Charles Byrnes's intriguing contender The Big Galloper (rated 122).

The Irish raider has been lightly raced since finishing second in a 2m5f Cheltenham handicap hurdle in 2019 and needs a win to climb the handicap. The trainer is also 2-7 in Britain this season.

Capilano Bridge has a largely progressive profile and also makes the journey across the Irish Sea. However, he has been done no favours by the British handicapper.

Despite underperforming when last of 11 at Cheltenham off 136 (8lb lower than his Irish rating) last time, the assessor has not relented and he returns off that mark. First-time blinkers are reached for in a bid to turn the tide.

Paul Nicholls' last three runners in this race have yielded two winners and a third and that makes Saint Sonnet of interest.

Seventh to Samcro in the Marsh Novices' Chase on his second start for Nicholls 23 months ago, Saint Sonnet has regressed since but hinted at a resurgence on Boxing Day.

He was running for only the second time over around three miles when second to the progressive Orbys Legend in Wincanton's qualifier, and is up 1lb to 133.

Nicholls' form is a concern. He's had only eight winners from 78 runners this year, but cream rises to the top and it is only a matter of time before everything clicks again. Perhaps Saint Sonnet can spark the revival.
Race analysis by Robbie Wilders

What they say

Fergal O'Brien, trainer of Ratfacemcdougall
He's in good form and ran well last time. He won over course and distance last season. I just hope they don't get a lot of rain.

Paul Nicholls, trainer of Saint Sonnet
He ran okay at Wincanton the other day. He's on a mark that sums up where he should be but we're hoping for a nice run before he goes to the final.

Nick Alexander, trainer of Wakool
He seems to be improving but he's got to improve again. Martin Keighley's horse looks progressive as well and there are hardened handicappers in there. He improved on a left-handed, soft-ground track at Ayr last time but he's won twice at Musselburgh.

Martin Keighley, trainer of Brorson
He seems to be improving with every run. He's going up there for the better ground, which he likes, and Sean Bowen gets on well with him. He should still be competitive off 130 and I hope he has a live chance.

Harry Whittington, trainer of Seddon
It's a competitive race but he's got some good form in the book. He's in good form at home, the ground will be ideal and we want to try him over the trip on this sharp track.

Ciaran Murphy, trainer of Coastal World
We think he's on a nice mark. Initially, we had hoped to run in the Heroes Handicap Hurdle at Sandown on Saturday, but he only just missed the cut for getting in and this was our second preference. There's a chance he might get into the Pertemps Final at Cheltenham if he happened to win. Hopefully, this is a nice pot to aim for.

Charles Byrnes, trainer of The Big Galloper
He's been very troublesome to train for the last couple of years. We're hoping he can run well and any rain would be a help.
Reporting by David Carr

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