Bear In Fine Fettle

Nick Gifford believes the likely fast pace in the Smurfit Kappa Champion Hurdle will suit Straw Bear down to the ground.

The Findon handler was most impressed with his charge's slick jumping in the Kingwell Hurdle at Wincanton and feels a proper gallop at Cheltenham will enhance his already decent prospects in the March 13 feature.

'The main thing we were going to Wincanton for was some more practice and it should just put him spot on for the Champion (Hurdle),' said Gifford.

'I was absolutely delighted with how he jumped.

'We'd agreed if there was no pace we wouldn't be frightened to go on and make it a proper-run race. A dawdle wouldn't have suited us or Afsoun so we decided to take the bull by the horns.

'With regard to the Champion, I'd have thought it will be the quickest race he'll have run in as Hardy Eustace won't hang about.

'We want a strongly-run race though and nine times out of 10 the Champion is.'

Prior to the triumph at Wincanton, Straw Bear had run Detroit City to less than two lengths at Sandown.

Gifford feels he probably ran to a higher level at the weekend, but still believes passing Hardy Eustace and Brave Inca up the punishing Cheltenham incline will require further improvement.

'He'll have improved from his run at Sandown fitness-wise and his jumping probably helped as they were going quicker,' Gifford added.

'The Champion is exciting and I think you could make arguments for about half a dozen horses at the moment but I think the best trial run this season was the AIG (Europe Champion Hurdle, at Leopardstown).

'I thought that was a hell of a race and it'll take something very special to get in front of Hardy Eustace and Brave Inca.'

(C) PA Sport