11th February 2021
Hendo’s CHAMPAGNE PLATINUM may be aiming for this race, although at the time of writing he does need to qualify. Which was why I noticed he had a brace of hurdle entries that with his current mark of 138 would see him run here – possibly. His far-from fluent jumping at Newbury in November certainly suggested a far happier horse back hurdling, and a bit of schooling could see him a live contender. 25/1 in a few places (14/1 NRNB)
4th February 2021
Fergal O’Brien sends IMPERIAL ALCAZAR straight to The Festival. The seven-year-old ran out a comfortable 2¼l winner of a Pertemps qualifier at Warwick last month. While Imperial Alcazar is also entered in the Stayers’ Hurdle on the same day, O’Brien is looking towards the big handicap instead. He said: “He’s in good form and goes for the Pertemps Final at Cheltenham now, all being well.”He runs well fresh, so he’ll go straight there without another run in between.” 10/1 in places (8/1 NRNB)
15th Jan 2021
CHAMPAGNE PLATINUM is being considered for a tilt at the Pertemps Final. Entries in the next week will provide further clues.
