Sam Winner

He's fine, Nicholls said so half an hour ago, he's not drifted on betfair.

Thanks,mate.I can sleep now!

Basically an all in imo ew for the pertemps brilliant piece of training to keep his hdcp mark to below 150.

Cannot see anything to worry this horse supremely confident even at 9/2 5/1 that this will win easily

Has to be question marks over his recent form though? I appreciate his chasing career didn't take off but didn't exactly look fluent back over hurdles at Sandown. OK he won an all weather bumper, beating Peddlers Cross but what's that form really worth?

Sir Fresh look at his run at sandown it was perfect never wanted to win that race and get an additional penalty

Just needed to run in a qualifier as the race unfolded he was too far out of his ground then run home nicely hardly out of breath lovely prep :-)

His triumph hurdle form 4th behind zarkander, unaccompanied, grandouet isnt half bad 1st and 3rd are 160 rated horses. Third Intention was beaten into 8th and had to lug 158 rating in coral cup last year.

Somehow this horse gets in off 146 I think chucked in absolutely chucked in all aboard

Thought he is running off 140 only.

I've my doubts about him getting 3 miles, Shutthefrontdoor will stay better IMO.

Agree JT, at the price that is a concern.

No question that SW is on a decent mark and that it has looked to want further.

However, recent winners have provided evidence that they have won or placed over the trip before winning the event.

Bold = won over the trip, prior to winning the event.
Italic = Placed over the trip, prior to winning the event.

2012: Cape Tribulation
2011: Buena Vista
2010: Buena Vista
2009: Kayf Aramis
2008: Ballyfitz
2007: Oscar Park
2006: Kadoun
2005: Oulart (Distance amended to 24f)
2004: Creon (raced over 26f)
2003: Inching Closer (raced over 26f)
2002: Freetown (raced over 26f)
2001: No race
2000: Rubhahunish (raced over 26f)

The Pertemps has been his target all season. There is no way connections would be aiming him here if they thought 3 miles was an issue given that he could have had entries in the other handicaps. Clearly the horse was just out for run in the qualifier and he was staying on in his unfavorable ground conditions. With a rating of 140 and better ground at Cheltenham i would not be at all surprised if he wins going away. Also noteworthy that PN said that he might campaign him in the same races BB used to run in if all goes well. You can tell they really like this one. glta

I still have concerns about his jumping. Nobody else feel the same?

I think he's crying out for 3 miles. Very good chance imo, but very short price for a race that is usually full of plots.