The well-treated Alaivan was a massive eye-catcher last time out and is strongly fancied at 12/1 in today’s County Hurdle at Cheltenham (2.05).
The gelding was a smart hurdler at his best when trained in Ireland by Edward O’Grady, finishing third to Soldatino in the 2010 running of the Triumph Hurdle over course and distance.
He also finished an excellent 2 1/2 length sixth of 26 behind Final Approach in this contest in 2011 off a rating 144 and now races off a 12lb lower mark of 132.
That gives him a massive chance at the weights, and he has shaped as if coming back to his best in his last two runs.
Now in the care of Jonjo O’Neill, the eight-year-old stayed on well to finish runner-up to Quick Decision at Wincanton and then ran a stormer lasy time out to finish sixth of 20 to Splash Of Ginge in the Betfair Hurdle.
Held-up in midfield that day, he got outpaced two from home before staying on strongly to be beaten just 5 1/2 lengths.
The son of Kalanisi was never nearer than at the finish and left the impression that he still had running left in him.
It was an effort which suggested he had a big prize like this in him, and he has managed to sneak in this at the foot of the weights.
He is also sporting cheekpices for the first time, has the services of Maurice Linehan in the saddle taking another 5lb off his back and has a trainer who is in terrific form this week having already saddled three winners.
Daily Sport recommended bet: 3pts each-way Alaivam (12/1 generally available – use BOG firms paying 1,2,3,4,5)