Promising youngster Speedo Boy bids to follow up Cheltenham victory

1.50 Newbury
Ladbrokes Handicap Hurdle | 2m4½f | 4yo+ | ITV/RUK

Recent Cheltenham winner Speedo Boy epitomises the excellent dual-purpose skills of trainer Ian Williams and the four-year-old will be bidding to make it two-from-two in handicap hurdles after a productive summer on the Flat, including a sixth-placed finish in the Cesarewitch.

The flashy gelding – who has lacked fluency at his obstacles in the past – didn't have too many in his way due to low sun at Cheltenham a fortnight ago, but still stormed past Mahlervous and Lungarno Palace in the style of an exciting young prospect.

Williams said: "I was chuffed to bits with his win at Cheltenham and Newbury is a slightly more conventional, suitable track for him.

"I don't think we'll be as lucky as last time where they took all of the hurdles out but I think his jumping is up to scratch to cope with a contest like this."

On how high the son of Vision D'Etat could fly now hurdling, he added: "It's difficult to say how far he could go, I was impressed with how he beat his elders as a four-year-old last time."

How Speedo Boy fares on Saturday could determine where he will end up, as Williams hasn't ruled out reverting to the Flat and heading abroad.

He said: "We still have the option of sending him to Dubai but we haven't made our minds up about that yet!"

Champ out to make a name for himself

Champ certainly has the pedigree to live up to his name – his dam was a half-sister to three-time Gold Cup winner Best Mate – and he is an interesting proposition on handicap debut.

A narrow second to Kim Bailey's unbeaten gelding Vinndication at Ascot in January, trainer Nicky Henderson then sent him for novice events at Perth and Warwick, both of which he won by ten lengths.

The six-year-old, who is owned JP McManus, races off a mark of 138, but Henderson has an eye on the future.

He said: "He’s in good form. He’ll make a chaser at some stage. Two and a half miles suits him well."

Barters is back

Barters Hill: beat Buveur D'Air and Altior in a Listed bumper in 2015Credit: Mark Cranham

Prior to the 2016 Cheltenham Festival, Barters Hill was unbeatable, and it was at this track in February 2015 that he showed how good he really was.

An attacking, gutsy front-runner, the Ben Pauling-trained gelding would beat two horses who would become the most celebrated athletes of their generation: Buveur D'Air and Altior.

After defeating those two, he readily landed the competitive Grade 2 Aintree bumper, while in his novice hurdling season he would hand Politologue a 12-length beating in the Challow before picking up a Grade 2 at Doncaster.

Noticeably weak in the market when reportedly not right before the Albert Bartlett, he still ran a big race to finish fourth to Unowhatimeanharry. Pulled up after sustaining an injury at Cheltenham on his chasing bow in November 2016, he has only been seen once since.

What they say

Warren Greatrex, trainer of Boite
He ran a nice race on his return in a Pertemps qualifier at Kempton. He's a horse who is very hard to get fit so I'd like to think he's come forward after that. He's been there and done it, we're claiming off him so if that helps he can run a big race.

Colin Tizzard, trainer of Padleyourowncanoe
He was fourth in a Fred Winter and has had two big tasks this season. This is his ideal race, back in a handicap, it's probably the best chance he's had to show himself.

Philip Hobbs, trainer of Who's My Jockey
A lot of his good form is on better ground, it's due to rain again so I' not sure how he'll handle it.

Neil Mulholland, trainer of Sleep Easy
He's run well recently and he's consistent. Hopefully the track will suit.

Alan King, trainer of Big Chief Benny
He returns from a long break having been off since Boxing Day 2016. He was a good novice and is ready to start back but will come on considerably for the run. He’ll probably switch to fences later this season.

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