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Ian Williams eyes handicap success for his heavily backed fancy Speedo Boy

Ian Williams is hoping Speedo Boy (left) can get off to a flyer in his handicapping debut over hurdles
Ian Williams is hoping Speedo Boy (left) can get off to a flyer in his handicapping debut over hurdlesCredit: Alan Crowhurst

3.30 Cheltenham
BetVictor Intermediate Handicap Hurdle | 3yo+ | 2m5f | ITV4/RUK

The 2m5f handicap hurdle looks a competitive field with runners showing good form and others making their seasonal debut, but it’s Speedo Boy, making his first jumps start since this meeting last year, who leads the betting.

The four-year-old is the youngest runner in the field and has been backed in from 8-1 to as short as 11-4 after a productive summer on the Flat.

Finishing sixth in the Cesarewitch at Newmarket in October has clearly made an impression and although this will be Speedo Boy's handicapping debut over hurdles, trainer Ian Williams is optimistic the gelding can justify his price.

He said: “I’m sure he’ll appreciate the step up in trip. It’s always tough moving into handicap company, but he’s been more than able to mix it in strong company on the Flat and has schooled well at home. I think he’s ready for it.”


Watch the replay of the 2018 Cesarewitch handicap here


Meanwhile, the trainers of Christmas In April, Louse Talk and Dell Oro said their runners would switch to fences after this run, but that hadn’t made them any less hopeful of a successful swansong.

Louse Talk's trainer Charlie Longsdon said of his six-year-old: “He didn’t do a lot wrong last season but is still very green. He’ll probably go chasing after this but should be in the mix here.”

Lungarno Palace will be looking to give the bookies another scare after finishing fourth here last month.

The seven-year-old went off at 33-1 but was only five lengths behind winner First Assignment, and trainer Fergal O’Brien believes a repeat performance could be on the cards.

He said: “I really like him over 2m5f and I thought he ran brilliantly to come fourth at a big price at the end of October. We’re very pleased with him and he’ll hopefully run a similar race tomorrow.”

The Gloucestershire-based trainer is taking full advantage of the local meeting and has gone triple-pronged in the Listed bumper (4.00) that rounds off Saturday’s action.

He will be represented by Crossgalesfamegame, Tashunka and Mrs Hyde, with the latter looking to follow up her stable debut win atLudlow last month with another here.


Karndean mares' Listed bumper


But it is Paul Nicholls’ Danse Idol who appears the standout, and the Manor Farm trainer has already confirmed the five-year-old will go hurdling after this run.

He said: “She’s a lovely filly and was second to Relegate, who went on to win the Champion Bumper, at Punchestown in January. So she’s got good form and I’d be optimistic of a good performance from her.”


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Published on 16 November 2018inPreviews

Last updated 18:08, 16 November 2018

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