The withdrawal of leading contender Melodic Rendezvous has resulted in Rolling Star heading the weights for Saturday’s Betfair Hurdle at Newbury.
Trainer Jeremy Scott decided not to risk Melodic Rendezvous despite his only blip coming when fifth to My Tent Or Yours in the Fighting Fifth Hurdle at Newcastle, preferring to wait for Wincanton next week instead.
As stated, My Tent Or Yours won this competitive contest 12 months ago, and his trainer Nicky Henderson saddles no less than three runners as he bids to win it for an amazing sixth time.
Barry Geraghty rides Rolling Star who never got going in the testing conditions in the Ladbroke Hurdle at Ascot last time, but he is an otherwise progressive sort. Tony McCoy partners Gibb River, while David Bass gets the leg up on the stable’s other runner, Vasco Du Ronceray.
Irish Saint was beaten by Rolling Star when the pair met at Cheltenham in January, but bounced back to form in the Holloway’s Hurdle at Ascot last time and will relish the heavy ground. Noel Fehily, having a great season with over 100 winners, will partner the ante-post favourite, while Harry Derham can claim a useful 3lb off Far West.
David Pipe is also double-handed, with Greatwood Hurdle winner Dell’ Arca, who unseated in the Ladbroke Hurdle, and also Swing Bowler who is a decent handicapper on his day.
A total of 22 runners stand their ground for the Grade 3 contest that is due off at 15:35 GMT on Saturday.
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