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Unbeaten Sussex Ranger out to state Triumph Hurdle case in Finale

Sussex Ranger: yet to be beaten over hurdles
Sussex Ranger: yet to be beaten in two starts over hurdlesCredit: Mark Cranham

2.10 Chepstow
Coral Future Champions Juvenile Hurdle | Grade 1 | 2m | 3yo | ATR

The JCB Triumph Hurdle market may be dominated by Apple's Shakira, but Sussex Ranger has the chance to press his credentials when putting his faultless record over hurdles on the line.

Unbeaten in two starts since switching from the Flat, Gary Moore's runner made light work of his rivals at Fontwell and Sandown, and now steps into Graded company.

Moore is hopeful of a bold show and said: "He's in good heart. Everybody seems to think he's one of the best juveniles we've seen this season so we'll see."

While the Grade 1 prize has gone to France three times since the start of the century, this year it is Irish raider Famous Milly who looks a big danger for trainer Gavin Cromwell.

The filly's first British foray ended in victory when she claimed a Listed fillies' race by 17 lengths at Aintree on heavy ground and, with conditions again set to be testing, Cromwell is understandably hopeful of a good showing.

He said: "She'll love the ground. She's in good form and has to have a decent chance judged on her performance at Aintree last time."

Mercenaire is another who should be fine on the heavy ground, having dotted up by 25 lengths on his British hurdling debut at Exeter last month.

While that bare form leaves the son of Soldier Of Fortune with something to find, jockey Lizzie Kelly thinks his ability to handle the going is a big plus.

Another positive for Mercenaire is that trainer Nick Williams has won the race twice since 2009, most recently with Le Rocher in 2013.

"We're really happy with him," said Kelly. "He beat a field that wasn't particularly strong, but he did as much as he needed to and I think he'll like the ground. Hopefully he'll run really well and I think he's got a good chance."

Look My Way and Embole squared off last time at Doncaster, with Look My Way finishing one position ahead when runner-up that day.

Trainer John Quinn is hopeful there is more to come from Look My Way and said: "I'm pleased with him and I'd expect him to run a good race. The ground won't bother him so we're anticipating a good run."

Dan Skelton trains Embole, and, like Quinn, thinks his runner should have more to offer.

"I hope there's a bit of progression from the first run," he said. "His progression will be judged on how he performs against Look My Way.

"We've all got Sussex Ranger to beat but take him out and it looks an open affair."


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