Alan King’s Smad Place has emerged as a potential lively outsider for the Grade 1 Ladbrokes World Hurdle at the 2012 Cheltenham Festival following his impressive recent win at Ascot and could book his ticket to take on Big Buck’s if able to land the National Spirit Hurdle at Fontwell next month, writes Elliot Slater.
The gelded son of Smadoun returned to the fray at Ascot having not been seen in competitive action since finishing in mid-division in the JCB triumph Hurdle at Cheltenham last March and had his training this term interrupted after throwing a splint. After being given time to recover the grey reappeared in the Grade 2 BetVictor.com Holloway Hurdle and despite being saddled with 11st 9lbs on his first outing for 10 months was noted travelling smoothly throughout the two-and-a-half-mile contest. Quickening smartly to lead approaching the final flight Wayne Hutchinson’s mount soon drew away from a good field and crossed the line seven-lengths clear of Shoreacres (received 6lbs) to stamp himself as a horse to follow. Even those looking at the Betfair Champion chase betting will have been impressed.
King was understandably delighted with his winner’s performance and confirmed that he has always held Smad Place in high regard. Having seen him stay on strongly on his first attempt at the Ascot trip the Barbury Castle-based handler observed that he sees no reason whatsoever why the grey should struggle with the extra-half-mile of the World Hurdle, but acknowledged the main problem will be trying to get within shouting distance of the mighty three-time winner Big Buck’s.
The Grade 2 National Spirit Hurdle, run over two-and-a-half miles with a stiff uphill finish, was won by Baracouda in 2001 before he went on to win the World Hurdle and by King’s My Way De Solzen before he too landed the stayers’ crown. Bookmakers however rate Smad Place at all prices between 25/1 and 66/1 at present and clearly are divided as to the current worth of his credentials.
