'He looks overpriced at 10-1' - which trainer has high hopes at Cheltenham?

Sunday: 3.05 Cheltenham
Paddy Power Handicap Hurdle | 3m | 4yo+ | ITV/RTV

The Pertemps qualifier on Tingle Creek day at Sandown remains one of the most controversial races run this season, and three of the top five in the betting for this contest featured in a blanket finish of that race.

Ben Bromley has undoubtedly made a bright start to his career in the saddle but the 7lb claimer misjudged where the winning line was aboard Call Me Lord and dropped his hands in the final strides. That error surely cost him victory over the reopposing Dolphin Square, who obliged by a nose.

The handicapper nudged both horses up 2lb and James Bowen takes over from the banned Bromley aboard Call Me Lord.

While Call Me Lord should have scored at Sandown, in all likelihood he will fail to avenge that defeat at this venue. His form figures at Cheltenham read P701 compared with 2363231211 at Sandown and his top eight performances on Racing Post Ratings have come on right-handed tracks (six at Sandown).

Dolphin Square landed this race last season off 4lb lower and clearly has a decent chance of upholding that form with Call Me Lord, although we must also respect the claims of Wilde About Oscar, who finished a short-neck third in that Pertemps qualifier on his first crack at a trip around three miles.

Wilde About Oscar was sent off a 7-2 chance to beat Bravemansgame in the Challow a couple of seasons ago but has struggled with various issues since. However, this was a major step in the right direction and this seven-year-old can begin making up for lost time off an enticing mark of 136.

The market favours unexposed and low-weighted youngsters Abuffalosoldier and Jet Of Magic, who both have the potential to leave their handicap marks well behind here if taking to Cheltenham's unique undulations.
Race analysis by Robbie Wilders

In-form Greatrex confident in 'leading chance' Abuffalosoldier

Warren Greatrex has had three winners since Wednesday and is hopeful the progressive Abuffalosoldier can keep his strong run of form going.

The six-year-old also received a form boost when Steal A March, who finished second to him at Newbury last time, won at Wincanton on Boxing Day.

"He's come out of Newbury very well and he's a progressive horse who is going the right way," Greatrex said.

Warren Greatrex: has a leading chance in the 3m handicap hurdle with AbuffalosoldierCredit: Edward Whitaker

"He seems a solid stayer and he's getting better all the time. The only negative would be if it gets too soft I don't think it would play to his strengths, but I think it will be fine."

Abuffalosoldier is three from six and his trainer believes there is further improvement to come, including over the larger obstacles down the line.

He added: "I think there's plenty more left in him. He's a brilliant jumper so could be even better over fences and he'd have to have a leading chance."

What they say

Olly Murphy, trainer of Thomas Darby
He's the class horse in the race and has a lot of weight but he's dropping down in class. He schooled well on Saturday and has some good form at the track. He looks overpriced at 10-1.

Nicky Henderson, trainer of Call Me Lord
He's been in very good form all season. He enjoys Cheltenham and gets three miles well.

Philip Hobbs, trainer of Dolphin Square
He finds hunter chases easier than handicap hurdles but nevertheless he has a fantastic strike-rate. He's in good form and any rain will help his chance. He'd have a solid each-way shout.

Dolphin Square (red) reopposes Call Me Lord (green) and Wilde About Oscar (black and white) after a dramatic finish at SandownCredit: Mark Cranham (racingpost.com/photos)

David Pipe, trainer of Brinkley
He ran terribly at Haydock. He's very talented but not that straightforward. We're trying a visor, which he's worked and schooled well in, but whether it will work I don't know.

Dan Skelton, trainer of Wilde About Oscar
He stayed three miles well last time and he's confirmed it's his trip now. Rain won't be an issue for him.

Paul Nicholls, trainer of Jet Of Magic
He's unexposed. He joined us early in the season and won at Hereford before being a little unlucky not to win at Taunton. If he jumps nicely he has a nice each-way chance at the weights.

Henry Daly, trainer of Bridge North
He ran well at Bangor. The going is a bit of a confusion as we couldn't believe how badly he performed last time but we're not sure it was because of the ground. He seems in good heart and my horses are running well.

Ben Pauling, trainer of Del La Mar Rocket
He was disappointing on his only start this season. We hope he can put it behind him, he's low in the weights and more rain would suit.
Reporting by Maddy Playle

Read more of Sunday's previews:

1.20 Cheltenham: 'I wouldn't swap him' - who is keen to take on Monmiral in a hot novice chase?

1.35 Musselburgh: 'I couldn't be happier with him' - will the Auld Reekie be won by the home team?

1.55 Cheltenham: 'We might see a different horse' - key quotes for tricky New Year's Day handicap

2.15 Tramore: 'We're delighted with him at home' - can Stattler see off a Gold Cup winner?

2.30 Cheltenham: Marie's Rock gifted 'handy allowance' on big-race return

Fairyhouse: 'He should take to fences like a duck to water' - Mullins excited by Berlais

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