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Yan out to show his Worth

Yanworth (right)Yanworth (right)
© Healy Racing Photos

Yanworth bids to show he is a serious contender for two-mile honours when he drops back in trip for the 32Red Christmas Hurdle at Kempton .

After starting his novice career last term at the shorter distance, the six-year-old has been campaigned at around two and a half miles, over which he has taken on the cream of the crop.

But after winning the Coral Hurdle at Ascot on his seasonal debut, Yanworth's connections have decided to see if he can cut the mustard at two miles.

Trainer Alan King said: "He worked well on Tuesday. He is in great form and we will learn a lot more on Monday.

"I am quite happy to try and see where we are with him. He has never been beaten over two miles and hopefully it will stay that way.

"We are trying to find out if he is a Champion Hurdle horse, but for that to happen it doesn't necessarily mean he has to win the Christmas Hurdle.

"Kempton might not be his ideal track, but if he had run in the International he would have had to carry a penalty.

"We will see what happens on Monday."

Owner JP McManus has a talented second string to his bow in My Tent Or Yours.

The nine-year-old, trained by Nicky Henderson, was victorious in 2013 but was off the track for nearly two years before returning with a highly creditable second place behind Annie Power in the Champion Hurdle in March.

He has had two runs this autumn, but has been beaten by The New One and Ch'tibello, who take him on again.

"I was pleased enough with his run at Cheltenham where the race just wasn't really run to suit," the Seven Barrows trainer told Stan James.

"The ground may have gone against him, too, but there was plenty in his favour at the weights with The New One there, so we appreciate it we have a tough task to beat him under these conditions.

"At his age we've just got to get on with it as there aren't many races for a horse like him.

"He's in good form, ready to roll and deserves to get his head in front again."