Egerton A Fan Of Flame

Charles Egerton is mystified as to why JCB Triumph Hurdle contender Freeze The Flame is a 33-1 chance for the juvenile championship.

The son of In The Wings was only a neck behind Triumph Hurdle joint favourite Katchit at Cheltenham in November and has since gone close behind Katchit's stable companion My Petra at Newbury.

Egerton believes the four-year-old was not at his best that day and is quietly confident of a big show from his charge next month.

He said: 'The JCB Triumph Hurdle is the plan for Freeze The Flame. He has been trained specifically for the race, and I am very happy with him.

'I cannot understand why he is quoted at 33-1, because we were only beaten a neck by Katchit in November.

'You can forget his last run ? he was a bit flat that day but still managed to finish second.'

Egerton also holds Festival chances with the likes of Mr Pointment, Graphic Approach and Hobbs Hill.

'Mr Pointment is an exciting prospect. He's probably better going left-handed, so Cheltenham suits him well, but we're not sure which race will be his target,' Egerton added.

'He looks like a real galloper, but he would not be certain to stay three miles.

'He's in the Ryanair Chase and the Royal & SunAlliance Chase, as well as The Arkle, so we have plenty of options.

'Graphic Approach (third to Billyvoddan in the Silver Cup at Ascot in December) is also in the Ryanair Chase.

'We've been a little disappointed with him so far this season, although to be fair to him, I don't think he's had his ground yet ? he prefers decent going.

'The ground will dictate which direction we go with him.'

(C) PA Sport