Unbeaten Tolworth Hurdle winner Metier among 49 Betfair Hurdle entries

Tolworth Hurdle winner Metier and Kempton scorer Third Time Lucki were among 49 entries for the Grade 3 Betfair Hurdle at Newbury on February 13.

The five-year-old extended his unbeaten sequence over hurdles to three when scoring by 12 lengths at Sandown, a performance that earned him quotes of 8-1 for the Sky Bet Supreme Novices' Hurdle at the Cheltenham Festival.

His trainer, Harry Fry, who has also entered Lightly Squeeze, said: "The owner and I discussed plans after Saturday's win and wanted to give ourselves this option as it's a race that could really suit him.

"He'll either go for this en route to Cheltenham or go straight to the festival. We'll just look at the entries and weights and see how the horse is in the coming weeks. This race should be right up his street as its a really strongly run two-mile race on a big galloping track.

Watch Pic D'Orhy win in last season's Betfair Hurdle

"He's run on the Flat, so we know he'll handle a big field. We've been delighted with his progress and we're excited to see how far he can go over hurdles. Hopefully he can make a mark at the spring festivals.

"We've also entered Lightly Squeeze, who was running a great race in this last year before taking a heavy fall at the last. He ran well at Ascot last time, so we potentially have two darts to throw at the race."

Third Time Lucki, who impressed when winning a novice hurdle at Kempton on Boxing Day, could represent trainer Dan Skelton, while Paul Nicholls has made six entries that includes Solo, Thyme White, Christopher Wood, Miranda, Friend Or Foe and Wild Max.

Nicky Henderson, the leading trainer in the race with five victories, has entered Buzz – second behind Not So Sleepy in the Betfair Exchange Trophy last time – Fred, Marie's Rock and Mister Coffey.

Buzz: among four entries made by Nicky HendersonCredit: Alan Crowhurst (Getty Images)

There are three Irish representatives among the entries, including last year's runner-up Ciel De Neige, who is trained by Willie Mullins.

"Metier was so impressive when landing the Tolworth that it's unsurprising to see him head the betting at 6-1," said Betfair spokesman Barry Orr. "He's undefeated in three starts for Harry Fry and looks sure to go off as favourite if he lines up."

Among the six other Betfair-sponsored races on the card are the Grade 2 Denman Chase, won last year by Gold Cup winner Native River, and the Grade 2 Game Spirit Chase, won three times by Altior.

Betfair Hurdle, sponsors odds: 6-1 Metier, 8-1 Third Time Lucki, 10-1 Cadzand, Soaring Glory, 12-1 Ciel De Neige, Mister Coffey, On To Victory, 14-1 Buzz, The Shunter, 16-1 Albert’s Back, Ballyandy, Guard Your Dreams, Marie’s Rock, Milkwood, One True King, Shakem Up’arry, Sky Pirate, Wild Max, 18-1 Fifty Ball, For Pleasure, Lightly Squeeze, Llandinabo Lad, 20-1 Bar.

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