Classy hurdler Snow Falcon set to fly in the Cesarewitch

Detroit City, Caracciola and Grumeti were all top class jumps horses who triumphed in the Cesarewitch and Noel Meade’s Snow Falcon could be a value bet at 25-1 to join that list.

A frequent Grade 1 performer over hurdles, the son of Presenting was last seen at Killarney in August when he enjoyed a confidence-boosting win on the Flat over 1m6f with the minimum of fuss.

The seven-year-old took up the running early on under Colin Keane and never saw another rival in a dominant display, powering clear when asked in the final two furlongs.

He ended last season finishing fifth, third and eighth in the key Grade 1 staying hurdle contests at Cheltenham, Aintree and Punchestown, but he is no stranger to running well in big staying handicaps.

Prior to that recent Killarney victory, Snow Falcon's last appearance on the Flat saw him finish fifth in the November Handicap at Leopardstown last year. He was doing all his best work at the finish that day and may have got closer to the leaders had he not received a bump on the home turn.

Even more interestingly, he was very well backed on the day and eventually went off 11-2 favourite, suggesting there were plenty of punters who felt he had a good staying handicap in him.

He may have gone under the radar here, though, and his odds could tumble with a good run in the Petingo Handicap at Leopardstown on Saturday.

The extra distance of the Cesarewitch would see him in an even better light and, while he would also be fancied for the Irish Cesarewitch if heading there, Newmarket looks his best option.

Betfred Cesarewitch Handicap card and betting