Cheltenham preview: Paul Nolan's exciting five-year-old Cuan Na Grai rates a standout bet in the Anglo Irish Private Banking Novices' Hurdle at Cheltenham today.
He failed to get off the mark until the seventh time of asking but has quickly blossomed into a seriously good hurdler and will arrive at Prestbury Park in search of his fifth straight success.
Having impressed observers in landing his hat-trick in a novice event at Limerick in July, Nolan then opted to throw his charge in at the deep end in the fiercely-competitive Galway Hurdle. Cuan Na Grai proceeded to run his rivals ragged in the valuable handicap to secure an impressive four-length success and underline his extensive ability.
Connections have always held him in very high regard and they will no doubt be expecting him to make his first trip to the home of National Hunt racing a winning one.
Just over half an hour later Armaturk is taken to land the Beards Jewellers Cup, run over two miles. Paul Nicholls's nine-year-old seems at his best at this time of year and ran as expected on his seasonal debut when racing prominently for a long way over two and a half miles at Aintree, before fading in the latter stages.
He found only stablemate Kauto Star too good on that occasion but can make the most of the fitness advantage he holds over his main rivals and repeat his success of 2004.
All eyes will be on Godolphin's Bold Crusader in the Arena Leisure Handicap at Southwell, but Speedy Sam represents decent each-way value against the likely favourite.
Iktitaf and Harchibald, Noel Meade's two Champion Hurdle aspirants, are firmly on course for their respective targets before Christmas. VC Bet Champion Novice Hurdle winner Iktitaf is set to be stepped up in trip for the Ballymore Properties Hatton's Grace Hurdle at Fairyhouse on December 3rd, while Bula Hurdle winner Harchibald is on target for the Maplewood Developments Morgiana Hurdle at Punchestown on November 19th.
Iktitaf has proved his well-being already this season with two effortless victories over Davenport Democrat at Punchestown and Down Royal.
"The way it looks at the moment, I think he will go to Fairyhouse for the Hatton's Grace, that's the way we are looking at the moment," said Meade. "Harchibald will go for the Morgiana as long as the ground is okay."
