3m (2m7f213y) (New) Pertemps Network Final Handicap Hurdle (Premier Handicap) (GBB Race) (Class 1) (5yo)
D Art D Art possesses a hugely progressive profile and was unlucky not to claim a 3m 1f Qualifier on soft ground at Carlisle three months ago. That was his first try over three miles having shaped like a stayer over 2m 4f up to that point during his career. His stamina just gave way on soft ground and he has looked much more comfortable on a sounder surface. D Art D Art is unraced since and with a 5lb claimer on board this six-year-old looks set to put in a bold bid as he stays well and I can see relishing the test of the New Course.
In D Art D Art’s penultimate start, MAXI MAC GOLD finished half a length behind our other selection over 2m 6.5 furlongs when getting 1lb. Maxi Mac Gold receives a 4lbs swing at the weights and has looked desperately unlucky on his last two starts. He finished 8th in the Leopardstown qualifier won by Win Some Lose Some when getting hampered and short of room on the home turn and he then went to Naas where he finished second to qualify for this behind Will The Wise when giving him 5lbs.
Maxi Mac Gold gets 4lbs from Will The Wise now instead and his only career success to date was when he got good ground in a three mile maiden hurdle. The Paul Nolan horse is still only 6 and remains with potential off a mark of 131 having put in a career best PB last time.
Feet Of A Dancer, Karl Des Tourelles and Win Some Lose Some are others that all have a shot in this.
1pt win D Art D Art @15/2, 14:40 Cheltenham, Thursday
1pt each-way Maxi Mac Gold @40/1, 14:40 Cheltenham, Thursday (1-6 places, 1/5 odds)