The Big Orse looks overpriced at 11-2 to finally open his account over hurdles in the 2.45 at Newbury today.
The eight-year-old has obviously been difficult to train as he has had just four runs over hurdles after three very promising bumper runs against some top notchers.
He started his career back in December 2007 when making all and staying on strongly in a NH flat race at this track and then followed that up with a fine fourth to Mad Max before going on to finish a respectable sixth of 12 behind Shinrock Paddy in a Listed bumper at Cheltenham.
Those efforts saw him pitched in at the deep end for his hurdling debut, and it was not surprising that he was totally outclassed in finishing last of six behind Celestial Halo in Listed contest at
Sandown where he was beaten a total of 38 lengths.
However such an entry clearly showed how highly regarded he was by connections, and he duly stepped up on that effort with a fine fourth to the highly talented Kangaroo Court and Lingfield last March.
He was then not seen out again until October, when sent off an even money shot for a three runner affair at Kempton where he could manage only second behind Balthazar King.
That was a disappoitning effort given his level of form, and he again let his supporters down when well fancied for a competitive novices handicap hurdle at Newbury when finishing 12th of 13 to Zarrafakt.
However connections have given him a nice three month break since then to freshen him up, and if he can bounce back to anywhere near his best then he is the one they all have to beat and rates an each-way bet to nothing at 11-2 in a poor contest.
Recommended bet: 3pts each-way The Big Orse (11-2 generally available)
