Jeriko Du Reponet
If we were going to get beaten in the Pertemps then at least it was to his stablemate Doddiethegreat. He unfortunately went up 5lb for that, but he is clearly in good form and hopefully he has more improvement in him.
Lulamba
I think it is fair to say we think we got mugged at Cheltenham! He saw off our main market rival East India Dock in the Triumph, and then the 100-1 chance Poniros took us on the blindside and we didn’t have the chance to respond. But we were still thrilled with him and he is hopefully the one they all have to beat . The boss decided to come here to take advantage of the 10lb weight concession, and I think the longer trip won’t be a problem either.
Jetara
Stayers Hurdle runner-up Teahupoo looks the one to beat but I imagine a few may fancy their chances against him. My mare Jetara obviously has to improve a good deal to take this but she gets the 7lb sex allowance and she ran a very solid race in the mares’ race at the Festival. She goes back up in trip here – she won over 3m at Doncaster previously – so hopefully she has an each-way chance.
Hyland
We like to think he has a decent profile for this formidable challenge. He obviously is unproven beyond 3m1f but he is a classy operator, second in the Grade 1 Kauto Star at Kempton, and we were happy with the way he shaped at the same track after a short break last time. Hopefully, he is handicapped to give a good account of himself, and there could be more to come from him. But we all know how tough this race is.
MY NATIONAL 1-2-3-4
- Hyland
- Iroko
- Beauport
- I Am Maximus
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