He is one of National Hunt’s racing’s most likeable stars and Nigel Twiston-Davies’ The New One has now been confirmed as an intended runner in the Stan James Champion Hurdle by his trainer.
Third in the 2014 renewal of the Grade One contest when he was badly hampered by the fall of Our Conor, that put paid to any chance The New One had in that contest and he did exceptionally well to finish a staying-on third.
In the last two renewals, Twiston-Davies’ charge has finished fifth and fourth, ironically beaten eight and three-quarter lengths on both occasions.
The King’s Theatre gelding has looked back to somewhere near his best this season, winning the Grade Two International Hurdle by three and a half-lengths from old foe My Tent Or Yours before he finished a three and a quarter-length second to Yanworth in the Christmas Hurdle. The nine-year-old however regained the winning threat at Haydock last time with a game success in the Grade Two Champion Hurdle Trial by a length.
Twiston-Davies has now confirmed the Irish-bred gelding for the Champion Hurdle, for which he is a general 14/1 shot after originally being a 16/1 chance for the Sun Bets Stayers’ Hurdle, for which he was also entered over three miles.
Speaking about his charge, Twiston Davies said
The New One will go for the Champion Hurdle. It’s not as hot as it has been. We haven’t got a Faugheen in there this year. If you look at the ratings he should be right there. Cheltenham brings out the best in him
Twiston-Davies also expects a strong showing from Betfair Hurdle winner Ballyandy (6/1) who heads for the Supreme Novices’ Hurdle, the first race of the Festival where he will take on old foe Moon Racer who has been Twiston-Davies’ charge twice already this season adding:
We have decided to go for the Supreme with Ballyandy. He quickened away nicely in the Betfair and we are looking forward to taking our revenge on Moon Racer.
Comments.
Loading comments…