National Spirit Hurdle at Fontwell

Fontwell stages one of its best fixtures of the year today, when the main feature is the Grade Two National Spirit Hurdle over 2 1/4 miles at 16.45 CET. Trenchant (Alan King/ Robert Thornton) won this last year, but has not been seen our since finishing down the field at the Cheltenham festival last March. In any case, this looks a stronger renewal and we much prefer stable companion Karabak (Tony McCoy). King should know where he stands with Celestial Halo (Paul Nicholls/ Harry Skelton), who was arguably unlucky not to have beaten his Mille Chief last time at Wincanton. Celestial Halo has not won for some time, but was placed 2nd and 4th in the last two Champion Hurdles and, in receipt of 4 lbs from Karabak, isa confident selection today. Nicholls could have a profitable afternoon, as we also expect Vico (Ryan Mahon) to win the opening novice hurdle at 15.10, and Ornais (Mahon) to take the hunter chase at 17.15.
The card at the other U.K. jumps meeting at Towcester is very low grade, and with the ground riding very heavy, some surprises can be expected. A German-bred we would be wary of is Panzer (Donald McCain/ Jason Maguire) in the novice handicap chase at 17.35, who had good form on fast ground in the autumn, but has not run since. However it is possible that L´Homme de Nuit (Jim Best/ Denis O´Regan), by Samum, at 16.30 and Aconitum (Neil Mulholland/ Dougie Costello), by Monsun, at 17.05, could run well.
The best event at the Irish meeting at Leopardstown is the hurdle race at 15.20. Sublimity (Robert Hennessy/ Andrew Lynch) won the Champion Hurdle back in 2007 and is still capable of winning in this grade. However he probably needs better ground and we prefer German-bred Catch Me (Edward O´Grady/ Andrew McNamara) who has been a bit disappointing so far this season, but seems to have everything in his favour today. We also think that Dermot Weld has a good chance of landing a double here with Endless Intrigue (Robbie McNamara) at 14.50 and Prince Erik (Davy Condon) at 16.55.

Betting forecast:
1. Race: Vico - Bunglasha Lady - Hong Kong Harry
2. Race: Sarando - Fruity O`Rooney - Lord Ragnar
3. Race: Pete The Feat - Swainson - Quel Bruere
4. Race: Celestial Halo - Karabak - Sentry Duty
5. Race: Ornais - Herons Well - Horsham Lad
6. Race: Dune Shine - Sun Quest - Beside The Fire
7. Race: Destroyer Deployed - Vincentian - Camas Bridge