Grands Crus gives cause for optimism ahead of Festival

Contrast this to his racecourse demeanour when the galloping grey’s competitive instincts kick in. The most improved horse in the country, he is the major danger to Big Buck’s landing a third successive World Hurdle crown at Cheltenham tomorrow week.

“He’s pretty laid-back and doesn’t show himself off,” said trainer David Pipe as he likened his stable star to a family pet.

“But you get him on the gallops and in a race and he’s completely different. It’s like he has tunnel vision. He’s very keen and you have to look after him.”

Grands Crus is unbeaten in three starts this season under Tom Scudamore and their most recent effort – in the Cleeve Hurdle at Cheltenham – had the usually reserved trainer in raptures.

“Big Buck’s is still the one to beat and we have to improve a bit more but we’re young – he’s only six – and he has only had eight races in his life,” said Pipe.

“We hope there’ll be further improvement. We’d like to see a little more rain about, but Cheltenham will make sure it’s safe ground.”

The shutters have come up considerably at Pond House Stables near Wellington in Somerset since the days of Pipe’s father Martin, very much the outsider of his profession.

Pipe was beaming as he paraded his 15-strong Cheltenham team in front of the cameras, with Ashkazar set to bolster his challenge for the staying hurdle crown.

An experienced seven-year-old, he won on his first attempt at the three-mile trip in handicap company at the course on New Year’s Day.

“Ashkazar has always been one of my favourites,” said Pipe. “He has to improve a bit against Big Buck’s and Grands Crus but he’s a big-priced outsider.”

Pipe rates Great Endeavour as one of his better chances of success when he lines up for the Stewart Family Spinal Research Handicap Chase next Tuesday.

He feels the seven-year-old grey will appreciate the step up in distance and is happy to be going for this race rather than the Gold Cup.

His rivals will include Grand National prospect Chief Dan George who won the corresponding race 12 months ago for Richmond-based jockey Paddy Aspell.

The 11-year-old was a pleasing third behind fellow Aintree hopefuls Skippers Brig and Ballabriggs at Kelso last Saturday.

“It was a good run considering he was giving weight all round, it was only two-mile-six and was meant to be a pipe-opener. We’re very happy with him,” said trainer Jimmy Moffatt.

“He had to do the donkey work and make the running which didn’t suit us. If it had been a good end-to-end gallop all the way he’d have been closer.”

Owner Clive Smith feels Ruby Walsh’s return aboard Kauto Star strengthens his chances of landing a third Cheltenham Gold Cup.

The Paul Nicholls-trained gelding failed in his bid to claim a record-breaking fifth King George VI Chase when AP McCoy, the 15-times champion jockey, deputised for the injured Walsh.

“We feel that it will be different with Ruby (Walsh) back and the two know each other so well we will have a much more favourable result,” said Smith.

“As good as Tony McCoy is, he has a different style of riding and I’m very pleased that Ruby is able to get back on Kauto again.

“It would be incredible if he could regain the Gold Cup for a second time. I think he’s got a great chance.”