Progressive Tobefair bidding to continue fairytale Hamer run

2.10 Cheltenham
Pertemps Network Final Handicap Hurdle (Listed) | 3m | 5yo+ | RUK/ITV

It might not be the sexiest race of the week but there are no end of colourful narratives to this year’s Pertemps Final.

Top of the charts is the rags-to-riches fairytale of Tobefair, trained by small-scale trainer Debra Hamer and owned by a syndicate of 17 friends who regularly frequent the picturesque Cresselly Arms on the estuary at Cresswell Quay, near Pembroke.

This time two years ago he looked to have moderate ability at best, failing to win in his first six stars. Yet having won his subsequent seven races, he has soared 62lb in the handicap and is anything but moderate now.

Another horse who has gone up in the weights is Presenting Percy but his latest hike came courtesy of the British handicapper, who has added 6lb to his Irish mark for today’s contest, a move that left last year’s winning trainer Patrick Kelly fuming to be polite.

Age gap
Youth has conquered experience in this race in recent years, with no horse older than eight winning the race in the past five years and three of the past four winners have been aged just six.

What they say

Evan Williams, trainer of Gayebury
He ran exceptionally well last time and I know we’re topping the weights but we’re only giving 10lb at most away. Over this type of trip he looks like he’s a horse with more to offer.

Phillip Reynolds owner of Presenting Percy
He seems to be in brilliant order. It is a big, big ask off such a big weight but, the more the ground dries out, the less giving weight away will matter I hope.

Gordon Elliott, trainer of Jury Duty and Sutton Manor
Jury Duty is in great form and I love to see the ground drying out for him. Jack [Kennedy] rides and I think he will give him a really good spin, although he is high enough in the handicap. I don't think Sutton Manor is particularly well handicapped. Lisa [O'Neill] is fresh from her first winner here on Tiger Roll so her confidence will be high and she takes off a few pounds, which will help.

Paul Nicholls, trainer of Caid Du Berlais, El Bandit and Mr Mix
Caid Du Berlais jumped the first on Tuesday, stumbled and didn't go any further. We schooled him yesterday and he was fine. He could run well and will love the better ground too. I've had this race in mind for El Bandit for a while. He surprised us by winning at Musselburgh and good ground suits. Mr Mix unseated over fences the last day and won over hurdles before, he'll appreciate better ground but I just think he's probably in the grip of the handicapper.

Fergal O’Brien, trainer of Barney Dwan
If he runs like he did at Warwick he will be there or thereabouts. I think he’ll love the race and this better ground and we’re going there with a lot of hope.

Debra Hamer, trainer of Tobefair
He’s a big lump of a horse so it shouldn’t bother him too much but I think it was quite harsh putting him up 9lb for last win. He’s won on all sorts of going and he will handle the better ground.

Nigel Twiston-Davies, trainer of Splash Of Ginge, Arctic Gold and Ballymalin
Splash Of Ginge is an old favourite and we're hoping for a good run. Arctic Gold ran well earlier in the season over hurdles and is coming back from fences with a good chance. Ballymalin ran well at Exeter and hopefully will be okay.

Alan King, trainer of The Tourard Man
The more the ground continues to dry up the better his chance. He finished third in this race a couple of years ago and, although he might not be quite as good, he is fresh and well after four months off and Kevin Dowling’s 10lb claim also helps.

Tom George, trainer of Rocklander
I'm very hopeful the better ground is going to suit him well. He has progressed all season and is in with a real shout

Philip Hobbs, trainer of Golden Doyen, Fingal Bay and For Good Measure
Golden Doyen will enjoy the ground, he won his qualifier back in October and stays well. Fingal Bay has a bit to do, but he's in good form and he's a previous winner of the race. Of the three, For Good Measure is the one open to the most improvement.

Neil Mulholland, trainer of Impulsive Star
He’s done well and is coming along nicely. This will be the fastest ground he’s come across but hopefully he can handle it.

Willie Mullins, trainer of Isleofhopendreams
See column

Sam England, trainer of Alzammaar
The drying ground should suit him, as it was good to firm when he won at Aintree for Warren Greatrex. He'll need a career best, but he's got plenty going for him. He wasn't quite right last time but he's in much better form now and we'll ride him differently and drop him in.