Jungle Prose bids for five-timer in fiercely competitive staying handicap hurdle

Bective Stud, Tea Rooms & Apartments Handicap Hurdle (Grade B) | 3m1f | 4yo+ | RTV

The last three winners of this staying handicap hurdle have all been at least 22-1 and this looks another open contest, with a host of trainers hoping to land the €59,000 pot.

Gordon Elliott, who won the race last year with Commander Of Fleet at 40-1, sends a team of six, including rapid improver Jungle Prose. She bids for a fifth consecutive victory, having scored at Thurles, Down Royal, Punchestown and over 2m6f here last month.

The mare is second favourite (10-1 with Paddy Power) for the Pertemps Network Final at the Cheltenham Festival.

A serious danger here is stablemate Eric Bloodaxe, who returned from a 206-day absence to win at Fairyhouse last month, having been a Grade 2 winner for previous trainer Joseph O'Brien.

Sam Ewing takes the ride on Maxxum, who was also a convincing winner here last month, with Vina Ardanza, Coventry and Au Fleuron completing the Elliott squad.

"I'm happy with them. They're all in good form and should have good runs if it goes ahead," said the trainer.

Also well represented is JP McManus, with the County Limerick owner holding three chances in Perceval Legallois, Any Second Now and A Great View.

A Great View was runner-up in this race last season and later scored at the Punchestown festival. He made his seasonal reappearance at Naas last month and 7lb claimer Aidan Kelly now comes in for the ride.

Trainer Denis Cullen said: "He's fit and well. He had a lovely first run and should come forward for it. This is a nice race for him and hopefully Aidan will get a good tune out of him."

The Ted Walsh-trainer Any Second Now is having his first run since finishing runner-up to Noble Yeats in the Grand National in April.

Any Second Now: Grand National runner-up makes his seasonal reappearanceCredit: Patrick McCann

"We're looking forward to seeing him back out," said Frank Berry, McManus's racing manager. "He ran really well at this meeting last year. Ted is very happy with how he's been and we're hopeful he can produce a good run."

Perceval Legallois has been unlucky not to win a handicap, having been beaten by a head and a nose at Galway and Listowel on his last two outings. He could go close for Gavin Cromwell, with Luke Dempsey on board.

Champion trainer Willie Mullins has two chances with Maze Runner and Belle Metal. Champion jockey Paul Townend told Ladbrokes that Maze Runner "has been consistent" but may be challenged by a higher mark.

"He's fit from the Flat and had a good summer campaign," said Townend. "It's hard to see how he's well handicapped over hurdles as he’s close to a career-high mark. I wouldn't be surprised if there are a few better handicapped than him. At the same time he's been consistent. He'll run his race."

Paddy Power Chase hopeful Ballyshannon Rose has finished second on her last two outings and trainer Paul Fahey is hoping she can go one better. "She's very competitive and has the ability to land a big pot," he said. "If she comes out of here okay, she'll go for the Paddy Power at Leopardstown."

The 2019 winner The Jam Man runs for Ronan McNally, with the Charles Byrnes-trained Run For Oscar and Francis Casey's Max Flamingo also prominent in the market.

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