Brain Power too smart for International rivals Nicky Henderson’s decision to switch Brain Power back from fences paid off as he claimed victory in the Unibet International Hurdle at Cheltenham. The Seven Barrows maestro made a similar call with subsequent dual Champion Hurdle hero Buveur D’Air a couple of seasons ago and while it would fanciful to suggest Brain Power can go on to scale those heights, he made a fine start to his second stint hurdling in this prestigious contest. Brain Power was second in the Arkle Trophy here in March, but fell on his final outing of the campaign at Aintree. And having finished well beaten on his reappearance in the Shloer Chase at Cheltenham last month, he reverted to the smaller obstacles for what looked a sub-standard renewal of this Grade Two event. Nico de Boinville positioned the 7-1 shot in midfield for much of two-mile-one-furlong journey, giving him plenty of light at his hurdles out wide. The New One — bidding for a fourth victory in the race — raced enthusiastically on the front end in the first-time visor — but faded quickly from the home turn and was pulled up by Sam Twiston-Davies before the final flight. The popular veteran was subsequently retired. Vision Des Flos led the field into the home straight, but the strong-travelling Brain Power soon took over and was good value for the eventual winning margin of a length and three-quarters. Silver Streak finished strongly to grab the runner-up spot ahead of 4-1 favourite Western Ryder in third. The big disappointment of the race was last season’s Supreme Novices’ Hurdle winner Summerville Boy. Tom George’s charge was bidding to bounce back from a below-par comeback effort in the Fighting Fifth at Newcastle a fortnight ago, but trailed home last of seven finishers.
