Cheltenham preview (14.15): Penglai Pavilion can complete four-timer
Published:
David Metcalf | November 12, 2015
Penglai Pavilion was ultra-impressive when scoring last time out, and can give weight all round to maintain his unbeaten record over the obstacles in the Neptune Investment Management Novices’ Hurdle at Cheltenham (14.15).
The gelding was a very smart performer on the flat, finishing fifth of 17 to Treve in the 2013 running of the Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe at Longchamp when trained by Andre Fabre.
Now in the care of John Ferguson, the five-year-old has won his first three starts over hurdles in the manner of an above average performer.
Pavilion has previous over course and distance
In the last of those successes over course and distance, Penglai Pavilion took the step up into class 2 company in his stride when beating Laurium by 4 1/2 lengths.
After being held-up in touch under a confident Aidan Coleman, Penglai Pavilion cruised into contention to challenge at the last before quickening clear on the run-in to score with far more in hand than the winning margin suggests.
It was a performance which oozed class, and one which suggests Penglai Pavilion needs keeping firmly onside.
Champers may be On Ice
Champers On Ice receives 7lb from the selection and is likely to prove the main danger.
The gelding was bought for a hefty some after winning an Irish point, and made a winning debut for trainer David Pipe when landing a 15-runner bumper at Punchestown back in April.
Champers On Ice showed a good attitude, digging deep inside the last to get up close home and score by a head. It was a game effort which suggested the five-year-old had a big future, and the son of Robin Des Champs is bred to excel over hurdles.
Champers On Ice also hails from a yard with a tremendous record at this meeting, and with Tom Scuadmore in the saddle a big run looks on the cards.
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