Threeunderthrufive bidding to break par again as he tackles longer trip

2.25 Musselburgh
bet365 Scottish Stayers Novices' Hurdle | 3m | 4yo+ | ITV4/RTV

Any golfer will know how Threeunderthrufive tends to go. Such a promising beginning rarely carries through. There are at least 120,003 reasons why the horse that carries the name need not go the way of that medal you thought you had won on the sixth tee.

His hefty price tag gives most of the hope, as does the fact he was bought jointly by trainer Paul Nicholls, who more than most tends to buy with an eye on long-term development. He has the pedigree to back up his scope, being from a classy French family, and on top of it all is his form.

Threeunderthrufive was second to Kid Commando on his debut but has won all three starts since, including over 2m5f at Ludlow last time when he looked ready to step up in trip. Musselburgh generally offers a gentle introduction to three miles and the only wrinkle in Threeunderthrufive's profile, a tendency to carry his head high, is overwhelmed by positives.

Technically, his form is not the best on offer. That position is held by The Golden Rebel, who won by 29 lengths at Doncaster four weeks ago. He came straight from points (six runs, two wins) and was 33-1 that day. That background puts further cold water on a win that came about in curious circumstances. His rivals let him go well clear and floundered once asked to make up the ground in testing conditions.

The Golden Rebel: top-rated on RPRs after his victory at DoncasterCredit: Pool

Also likely to be popular is Fantastikas, who can claim a fancy formline in his second at Southwell in December. He was a neck behind Barbados Buck's, who was conceding 7lb and won more easily than the margin, with Mr Harp 18 lengths back in third. The last-named has since won a handicap off 115 and been second in a Pertemps qualifier.

Fantastikas has a relatively stout French pedigree and appeals as the type to keep developing in the long term. The question is whether he will find enough short-term improvement to make up nearly a stone (minus the 8lb received) on Threeunderthrufive.
Keith Melrose, betting editor

What they say

Paul Nicholls, trainer of Threeunderthrufive
This trip won't be a bother for him and we've had this race in mind for him for some time. He goes up there fresh and well after a break and we expect him to run a nice race.

Lucinda Russell, trainer of Corach Rambler
He took his time to win his point-to-point in Ireland but we were really pleased with his win at Ayr last time which was his first start under rules. Whether this track is a bit sharp of him or he's in over his head we'll find out as he's on a bit of a fact-finding mission.

Read more of our Sunday tipping . . .

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Ben Case, trainer of The Golden Rebel
We've decided to send him up there even though I'm not convinced the meeting is sure to be on. We didn't know what to make of his win at Doncaster but it didn't appear to be a fluke and he wasn't stopping at the end so should be fine with this trip. The track should suit him and the ground should be better than anywhere else so we'll give it a go.

Sam Twiston Davies, rider of Fantastikas
He's in a deep race for a horse who has not won over hurdles, but he's consistent so will give his usual good account. It's a valuable contest and he would appreciate some better ground.

Nicky Richards, trainer of Tidal Point
He's schooled nicely at home, but the weather has played havoc with his schedule as he's been ready to run for about a month. This is a hotter race than is ideal for his first run over hurdles, but you have to start somewhere.

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