Unowhatimeanharry bids to roll back years and deliver KO blow in bet365 Hurdle

bet365 Hurdle (Grade 2) | 3m | 4yo+ | ITV4/RTV

Buveur D’Air’s return to the winner’s enclosure at Punchestown last spring may have been the highlight of that meeting for many, but the performance of another popular J P McManus-owned hurdler, the 11-year-old Unowhatimeanharry, also inspired scenes of high emotion.

The 16-1 shot stayed on strongly to beat Bacardys, three years his junior, by three lengths in the Ladbrokes Champion Stayers Hurdle – the fourth Grade 1 win of his brilliant career.

Now embarking on his eighth campaign – he made his debut in February 2013 – Unowhatimeanharry has to concede weight all round to six rivals, two of whom are almost half his age, but few would dismiss his chance of a 14th career success.

Trainer Harry Fry said: “He’s back for more. We’ve earmarked him for this race and he’s been in good form at home.

“He has to give weight all round after his Grade 1 win in the spring. We’ll carry on as long as he’s still enjoying it and remains competitive. I’m hoping he can run a big race.”

Many punters clearly think he will, as Unowhatimeanharry attracted significant support on Friday to challenge Ballyandy for favouritism.

Will Ballyandy get the trip?

Official ratings make this race look a snug fit for Ballyandy, assuming his stamina holds out for three miles.

Although twice a winner over 2m4f, Ballyandy is best known for producing a sharp turn of foot to land the 2m Betfair Hurdle at Newbury in 2017 and the Grade 1 Weatherbys Champion Bumper at Cheltenham the previous year.

Ballyandy: “It’s an experiment to run him over three miles'Credit: John Grossick Racing Photography

A spell over fences didn’t work out, but the eight-year-old proved himself still a force in good company over hurdles when finishing third to William Henry in the 2m5f Coral Cup at Cheltenham last spring.

His trainer Nigel Twiston-Davies said: “It’s an experiment to run him over three miles. The conditions of the race certainly suit him and in terms of his handicap mark he has a good chance.

“It’s going to be interesting [whether he stays]. He is very relaxed in his races, so I hope he’ll stay.”

Can Grade 1 winner The Worlds End bounce back?

After a spectacular start last autumn, The Worlds End’s chasing career didn’t take off as looked likely following his impressive Chepstow win.

Winner of the Grade 1 Sefton Novices’ Hurdle in 2017, The Worlds End has plenty of class, but needs to bounce back after a trio of heavy defeats in Grade 1 company last season at Kempton, Cheltenham and Aintree.

If he can recapture his best form, there is little doubt Tom George’s eight-year-old is more than capable of winning this race.

KEY STAT
Favourites have a bad record in this race – only one win in the last ten years.

You can now bet with bet365 on the free Racing Post iOS app, benefit from all the same offers as the bet365 app. Get our fastest ever free app here