'He's a bit of an enigma' - Olly Murphy unsure what to expect from Strong Glance

Saturday: 1.40 Musselburgh
Betway Hair Of The Dog Handicap Hurdle | 2m4f | 4yo+ | ITV/RTV

Horses like Strong Glance are a nightmare for punters. The Olly Murphy-trained hurdler clearly has the ability to win off his mark, but can he be trusted? In three runs this season he has unseated, run out (not for the first time) and been beaten a head.

Everything seemed to click into place last time at Hereford as he travelled best turning for home and led at the last only to be outbattled on the run-in by Flashing Glance.

Murphy deemed Strong Glance of the calibre to run at the big spring festivals at Cheltenham and Aintree last season and knows what the nine-year-old is capable of, but even he is not totally sure what to expect.

"He's in good form but he's a bit of an enigma – he tends to run a different race every time," the trainer said. "He was an unlucky loser at Hereford on his last start, and the flat track at Musselburgh will suit him. He should be very competitive."

Kavanaghs Cross put some near-misses behind him at Kelso 27 days ago, building on a fine effort at Cheltenham in November.

After finishing second on his first two starts of the season, he was a decent third in a novice handicap hurdle at Prestbury Park won by Mc Alpine before getting off the mark at the 11th attempt last time.

Kavanaghs Cross is racing from 2lb out of the handicap and Iain Jardine has booked 5lb claimer Angus Cheleda for the first time to try to offset that.

"His Cheltenham run was a big run and he won next time after that, and we'll find out where the handicapper is right with that kind of mark," said the trainer. "He's 2lb wrong, but we're claiming off him and taking off that weight helps."

Iain Jardine: runs two hereCredit: Edward Whitaker

Jardine also runs Voix Du Reve, who came close to winning on this card 12 months ago, and he drops down in grade having been set some tough assignments.

"He's in fine form and I think he retains his ability," said Jardine. "He's found it tough with his rating, but the handicapper has given him a chance and it looks a suitable race for him.

"He's run some great races for us in the past, including on this card last year when getting pipped in the Hogmaneigh Hurdle. Another half mile should suit him and it's a lower-grade race."

More New Year's Day race previews:

1.25 Cheltenham: why L'Homme Presse will need to answer some fresh questions to win the Dipper

2.00 Cheltenham: why Alnadam's delayed Cheltenham raid might prove to be beautifully timed

2.10 Musselburgh: progressive Tommy's Oscar seeks hat-trick for in-form Hamilton team

2.20 Tramore: 'All the roads lead to Cheltenham' – Al Boum Photo poised for four-timer

2.35 Cheltenham: 'He's in the form of his life' – can Malzard strike again on Kansas City Chief?

2.40 Fairyhouse: festival clues galore as top mares Put The Kettle On, Elimay and Mount Ida clash

3.10 Cheltenham: 'He's always good fresh' – Relkeel Hurdle trainer quotes and big-race insight

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