Willy Twiston-Davies believes the step up in the trip will help bring about the required improvement needed for Potters Charm to become a serious contender in the Howden Long Walk Hurdle at Ascot on Saturday.
He was a bright novice last season when winning the Formby Novices’ Hurdle at Aintree, but the six-year-old was an early faller at Wetherby last month on his only previous attempt at three miles.
Third behind Gordon Elliott’s Wodhooh in the Ascot Hurdle over just under two and a half miles, his main target is the Stayers’ Hurdle. He is joined in the race by stablemate Beauport, who achieved a great performance twelve months ago when he was caught late by Crambo.
“We’re really looking forward to racing with him, the step up to five kilometers should bring some improvement,” Twiston-Davies told Sky Sports Racing.
“We were quite aggressive against him the last day, so we can take our time on Saturday. He doesn’t have much to find, so hopefully he gets a really good chance.”
“Beauport obviously ran really well in the race last year, so we’re going there with two live chances.
“Potters Charm won a grade 1 over two miles last year, he’s coming into his own, so hopefully he gets the trip and it brings improvement as well.
“As soon as he crossed the line the last time, Sam (Twiston-Davies, jockey and brother) and I decided this is where we were going to go. I wouldn’t trade him. After this it will probably go to the Cleeve and then the Stayers.”
He added: “Beauport was caught late last year, he has been very consistent and is a lovely horse to train. Bryan and Philippa (Burrough, owners) are keen to get in the race again.
“He can combine fences and hurdles and he will go where the prize money is.”
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