6th-Apr-2019

I am backing William Henry and If The Cap Fits here … If The Cap Fits also has lots of scope for progression.  Three for three as a novice over hurdles, Harry Fry’s horse was off the track for almost a year before he returned at Wincanton in November and ran a fine race to finish second to Verdana Blue in the Elite Hurdle. 

He stayed on well to win the Ascot Hurdle next time over two and a half miles and, after getting done for pace in the Christmas Hurdle at Kempton back over two miles, when he ws still only beaten six lengths by Verdana Blue and Buveur D’Air, he just kept on to finish second to Vision Des Flos in the National Spirit Hurdle at Fontwell.  He left the impression that day that he would improve for stepping up in trip.  Also, his trainer said afterwards that the run may have come too quickly after a flu jab.

He could step forward today, stepping up to three miles for the first time.  He has raced just seven times over hurdles, so he has plenty of scope for progression anyway, and he could improve significantly for stepping up in trip.  Also, he skipped Cheltenham, so it is probable that his trainer has had this race in mind for him for a while.  He ran well in the bumper at Aintree two years ago on his only visit to the track, and the fitting of cheekpieces could elicit further improvement.

IF THE CAP FITS WON (ADV 7/1)