Betfair Hurdle set to be a cracker as Al Dancer heads 23 confirmed for Saturday's big race

Nigel Twiston-Davies' gelding has racked up three wins on the bounce and will bid for a big payday in the extended two-mile handicap.

Connections will be hoping the 7-2 favourite can follow in the footsteps of Splash Of Ginge and Ballyandy, both of whom won the race for the Twiston-Davies clan.

He won't have it easy though, as a typically strong field is set to line up for the £87,219 prize.

Getaway Trump, last seen finishing second behind Ballymore favourite Champ, heads the list of dangers, along with the fast-improving Monsieur Lecoq, who represents the same jockey/trainer combination that landed the race with Agrapart in 2016.

The unexposed mare Countister is an interesting addition for Nicky Henderson, while the JP McManus silks are also likely to be carried by Didtheyleaveuoutto.


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Others worth noting include consistent handicapper Lisp, Willie Mullins' Saglawy, and former classy sort Leoncavallo.

Along with Al Dancer, former winner Ballyandy forms part of a two-pronged attack for trainer Nigel Twiston-Davies.

He said: "It was nice to get Ballyandy back on track, because it had been a trying time for him. Going back against lesser opposition helped him get his head back in front.

"He was a bit slow jumping his hurdles at Kempton, but the main thing at Uttoxeter was that he travelled well and jumped nicely."

Earlier on the card, last year's Gold Cup hero Native River is likely to take his chance in the Denman Chase.

Last seen finished third in the King George, he'll attempt to emulate his 12-length win in the race last year.

Trainer Colin Tizzard said: "He is a strong stayer & he has very good form around Newbury.

"If they have the forecast rain & it’s good to soft, he’ll be there."

He could face a rematch with his Kempton conqueror, Clan Des Obeaux, as well as taking on Coneygree, Anibale Fly and Noble Endeavor.

Beware The Bear, Gold Present, Ballyhill, Thomas Patrick and The Last Samuri complete the possible field.

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