Summerville Boy To Thrive in International Hurdle

Nicky Henderson would look to have a whole host of chances at Cheltenham this afternoon but it could well be Tom George that takes the training honours in the Cotswolds. Henderson will watch the International Hurdle with some interest given that he has two runners in the race but the Grade 2 is unlikely to throw up any sort of danger to his current Champion Hurdle favourite Buveur D’air.

Summerville to thrive in International

Summerville Boy faces a much easier assignment this afternoon than he did when Buveur D’air and Samcro lined up beside him in the Fighting Fight Hurdle at Newcastle on his seasonal return.
The Supreme Novices’ Hurdle winner is back to the scene of his finest triumph for Tom George and although he did finish behind Vision Des Flos in that Fighting Fifth, the benefit of the run and not having to try and live with Buveur D’air and Samcro should turn the tables in his favour.

On his novice form Summerville Boy looks hard to beat in this. We Have A Dream has failed to build on his juvenile form twice now, while stable companion Brain Power is back over hurdles after a frustrating time chasing.

The New One could be retired by this evening and Old Guard just looks shy of the level required here in this sort of company.

Summerville Boy obviously has to build on that Newcastle effort but certainly can be expected to do so and this looks a far easier assignment for the six-year-old.

Kalashnikov and Mengli Khan still give a good look to Summerville Boy’s novice hurdle form and maybe connections might be thinking should they have went that route themselves but this Grade Two will be a nice pot to kick start his season.

George’s Day at Cheltenham

With a good chance in the opening Triumph Hurdle Trial courtesy of Fanfan Du Seuil, Tom George will be excited about his chances at the Cotswolds today but it is Bun Doran who is a more confident choice.

The seven-year-old won at the November meeting at Cheltenham and afterwards Paddy Brennan stated his only job was to keep Bun Doran between the white rails as he was working so well.
A 10lbs hike from the handicapper for that eight length success won’t do his chances any huge favours today but with Dan Skelton’s Yorkist getting 8lbs for his Aintree win and Top Gamble probably hides no secrets from the handicapper.

It’s a surprise to see just six horses pitch up for this nice pot even with the ground being good, but it makes it a very good opportunity for Bun Doran to complete a Cheltenham double in as many months.