2m5f (Old) BetMGM Cup Handicap Hurdle (Premier Handicap) (GBB Race) (Class 1) (4yo+)
IBERICO LORD has always shaped like a winner of this race. I’m not at all put off by his 8lb rise as he had dropped 8lb following his blowout in the Champion Hurdle two years back. That race must have left a mark when the Henderson yard were sick, and he was a shell of his former self as a novice chaser and returned to hurdles in shocking form. It wasn’t until January that he bounced back to his old self and proved the engine is still there when cosily landing the Lanzarote, and that was also his first go at this trip as a healthy horse. He’s always wanted it and his Cheltenham form is strong, so he’s a big chance here. I genuinely believe he’s a 150s horse running off 144 and his yard are in good form. Storm Heart has a big chance, but I’m not sure just how much improvement punters can expect from a horse that’s already rated 151 and has consistently proven he’s a Grade 2 horse. He might be able to squeeze a few lbs of improvement out but has to prove he wants this trip too, so the prices don’t appeal. Paul Townend isn’t bothering to ride in the race and that might be revealing. How about FARREN GLORY for Gordon Elliott? He was only 1¾ lengths behind Storm Heart off level weights last time and meets on 3lb better terms here. Jack Kennedy rides and Elliott adds first time headgear. This might have been a long term plan and the horse has bundles of back class over 2m. He was on the bridle when falling late in the Grade 1 Fornby won by Jango Baie as a novice hurdler, and had won the Grade 1 Royal Bond before that. Good ground should be fine as he’s by Fame And Glory and I think he’ll stay.
1pt each-way Iberico Lord @10/1, 1pt each-way Farren Glory @22/1, 2:40 Cheltenham, Wednesday (1-6, 1/5 with William Hill)
1pt each-way Farren Glory @22/1, 2:40 Cheltenham, Wednesday (1-7, 1/5 with Sky Bet)