Worth the wait? Superstar Paisley Park on trial again in Cleeve Hurdle

3.35 Cheltenham
galliardhomes.com Cleeve Hurdle (Grade 2) | 3m | 5yo+ | ITV/RTV

One of the star attractions going on trial at Cheltenham is defending Stayers' Hurdle champion Paisley Park, who bids to show why he is a strong favourite to retain his crown come March.

After a successful return to action at Newbury last November, fans of the eight-year-old have had to wait for their next sighting, with ground conditions at Ascot deemed too taxing on the morning of the Marsh Hurdle in December.

But trainer Emma Lavelle has enjoyed being able to give her stable star a longer prep for his Stayers' Hurdle tune-up and is excited to get him back out on track.

Paddy Power Stayers' Hurdle prices

Paisley Park 5-4
If The Cap Fits 7-1
Summerville Boy 20-1
L'Ami Serge 25-1
Lisnagar Oscar 50-1
Kilbricken Storm 50-1
William Henry 50-1
Tobefair 50-1

A 12-length winner of this race last year before going on to glory in March, Paisley Park faces a different cast of characters on Saturday, and Lavelle said: "We've had a great time getting him organised and he's ready to go.

"It's a fresh group of horses he'll be running up against and it's another marker as to where we are. He's in great form and I couldn't be happier with him."

Paisley Park at home in his boxCredit: Edward Whitaker

What the rest say

Harry Fry, trainer of If The Cap Fits
We're obviously taking on the mighty Paisley Park among others – it looks a strong renewal. It's his first run at the track and only his second run over three miles, we know now that is his trip. The handicapper has him three pounds behind Paisley Park and it will be exciting to see where we are. It's a big day for the yard.

Nicky Henderson, trainer of William Henry and L'Ami Serge
I think William Henry stays this sort of trip but I’m not certain about it. He won the Coral Cup and ran respectably over three miles at Aintree, so this will be a big test of stamina. L'Ami Serge has got all the ability in the world and he stays three miles – he won the French Champion Hurdle. We’re taking on the best three mile hurdlers in the country. He is capable of it and, as you would expect, if he is still going well, Daryl [Jacob] will be hanging on to him as late as possible. Nico [de Boinville] had no option at Ascot, where the race fell apart in front of him.

Rebecca Curtis, trainer of Lisnagar Oscar
It was unfortunate he fell last time at Warwick. It's a big ask for him and he's a bit in no man's land, so this is to see where we are with him and whether we go back over fences but I think he'll run very well.

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