An unusually competitive renewal of the Sky Bet Supreme Trial is the centrepiece of the card at Ascot on Friday, with five of the six runners priced up as serious contenders, but Lough Derg Spirit (1.55) will be very difficult to pass if he can produce the form, and in particular the fluent hurdling, of his debut success over hurdles at Kempton last month.
It is rare to see a horse take to hurdling as immediately and naturally as Lough Derg Spirit, who took over in front at the second flight at Kempton and did not see another rival until after the line. There was an echo of another frontrunner, the 1997 Champion Hurdle winner Make A Stand, in the way he seemed almost to step over the obstacles without breaking his gallop, and it will be hard for his rivals to close him down in the straight if he is as quick over the hurdles this time.
Thomas Campbell, the second-favourite, was successful at Ascot last time out and the runner-up, Criq Rock, is the favourite for the opening race, which should be an interesting guide to the level of the form. Lough Derg Spirit has plenty of room for improvement and looks much the better bet at around 5-2.
Just four go to post for the other Grade Two on the card, the Mitie Noel Novice Chase, when Politologue (2.30) should justify a price of around 5-6 and confirm his Festival credentials. Back By Midnight (1.20) got off the mark over fences at the second attempt last time out and has enough scope to overcome an 8lb rise in the weights, while Ballyarthur (3.05) is the safest option in a tricky conditionals’ handicap hurdle later on the card.
Few make obvious appeal on the day’s three remaining cards but Bridey’s Lettuce (2.10) has a fair chance at around 5-1 at Newcastle and Wolf Sword (12.35) could be worth a second look at Uttoxeter.
