The eight-year-old has met with hold-ups to his training schedule over the last couple of months as a result of the severe winter weather experienced in Ireland, and is still considered by connections to be one gallop short of race fitness. As well as Hurricane Fly, unbeaten in three outing so far this term, Dunguib could find himself facing Solwhit, Voler La Vedette and former champion hurdler Sublimity, in what will doubtless prove to be a key trial for the big race itself at the Cheltenham Festival on March 15th.
An outstanding novice hurdler last term, the gelded son of Presenting was seen as the Irish banker of the meeting at Cheltenham last year, lining up for the opening race of the fixture, the Supreme Novices’ hurdle, as odds-on 4/5 favourite in the Cheltenham odds having been unbeaten in four outings over hurdles, including two at Grade 1 level. His defeat at the hands of Menorah appeared a major disappointment at the time, but has subsequently proven to be very smart form in light of the winner’s achievements since.
Beaten again at Punchestown in April (behind Hurricane Fly) when probably over the top for the season, Dunguib’s return to action is eagerly anticipated by his many fans. A good effort at Leopardstown would almost certainly see his current ante-post odds for the big race at Cheltenham cut from the best price of 20/1 on offer at present, to less than half the price. The Gold Cup betting will be many punter’s obsession during the festival, but the Supreme Novices’ could be a race to watch.
A return to his best would be great for Dunguib, great for Irish racing and for the Champion Hurdle itself, which is already building up to be an absolute cracker.
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