Raceline: Tip of the Day 1st December

Today is one of the big days of the jumps season, with the highlight being the Hennessy Gold Cup at Newbury (3.10).
By The Newsroom
Published 1st Dec 2012, 00:04 BST

Saturday December 1

STAYING ARTICLE

Fairyhouse 12.45 WIN

If you’re searching for a wild outsider to upset the applecart in the Champion Hurdle, look no further than Edward O’Grady’s lightly-raced seven-year-old. I admit I don’t even know if O’Grady is preparing the horse for the race. But I do know he has the potential to improve into a genuine contender, so the big odds currently available on the exchanges have to be worth a nibble, don’t they? He first came to my attention when defying top weight to finish an unlucky third in the Boylesports Hurdle in January, which persuaded his handler to leave him in last season’s Champion until the final forfeit stage. He subsequently suffered a setback that kept him off the track for nine months. But after a spin on the Flat behind the ill-fated Go Native, he toughed it out last time, even though he was 11lb wrong with the runner-up, to underline his renewed wellbeing. It was only the eighth run of his career, yet he’s never been out of the frame. Adding to his Cheltenhem credentials are that he’s said to prefer good spring ground and that he hails from the family of former Triumph Hurdle winner Shawiya. Today’s race represents the next step on the ladder for him.

FRIDAY: DYNASTE WON

THURSDAY: HIGHLAND LODGE 3RD

WEDNESDAY: COMMUNICATOR 4TH

TUESDAY: SIRE DE GRUGY WON

TIP OF THE DAY SUPPLIED BY SCOOP RACING (RICHARD SILVERWOOD).