Cup Final returns from over 400 days off the track to tackle the longest trip of his career over 3m2f. He may very well be able to tackle an extra half a mile in comparison to his latest win for Nicky Henderson. That was his first victory in six starts under rules, and at 6/4 favourite, he’s plenty short enough. He could be an improver, but this is a competitive qualifier for the Pertemps Network Hurdle at Cheltenham and is worth taking on.
Call The Cops is also having his first start of the year, and will bid to retain his crown in March. He might need to have a run out before attempting that challenge, and with Geraghty switching to Cup Final, Henderson may have one eye on preserving – or trying to lower – his mark of 153.
Warriors Tale remains unexposed over hurdles and looked highly progressive for a lesser yard last season, where he was just denied a treble at Ayr, over an extended 3m trip. He has since switched to Paul Nicholls, and this will be his first start over hurdles for the yard having surpassed that form over fences in his opening chase start of the season over 2m7f.
He raced off a chase mark of 142 on his last start, pulling up, and was said to have scoped badly after the race so the fact he returns to hurdles with a break to freshen him up rated 5lbs lower is of interest. He should stay the trip, and at a best priced 12/1, he looks a decent bet with Nicholls’ runners now coming in to form.
0.5pt EW Warriors Tale @12/1, 16:30 Musselbrough
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