2nd-Dec-2017

I think that Old Guard is over-priced for this handicap hurdle at 7/1, I think that the step back up to two and a half miles will suit him now, even though he has never won over the trip.

He ran a big race in the Greatwood Hurdle at Cheltenham last time, he finished third, he was beaten just under five lengths by Elgin and Misterton.  But he got a little tapped for toe when they quickened before just keeping on for third place.  He shaped as if he would appreciate a greater test of stamina.

He has never won over two and a half miles before, but he has run some big races in defeat over the trip, including in the Coral Cup at Cheltenham in March, when he was beaten just six lengths by the winner Supasundae, and when he finished fourth in the Lanzarote Hurdle at Kempton in January.

He has had plenty of racing, but he is only six years old, and he proved when he won at Kempton in October that he retains lots of ability.  Even so, he gets to race off a mark of 149 today, which is 8lb lower than his peak rating just over a year ago.

He goes well on easy ground, and he won a juvenile hurdle on his only run at Newbury.  Also, Bryony Frost takes off 5lb.  It is easy to see him running a big race.

OLD GUARD WON (ADV 7/1, SP 7/2)