'He's improving, big time' - find out which huge Finale outsider is fancied

Tuesday: 1.40 Chepstow
Coral Finale Juvenile Hurdle (Grade 2) | 2m | 3yo | ITV4/SKY

The market suddenly has a very different complexion after the defection of the Milton Harris-trained favourite Scriptwriter, with Joseph O'Brien's Comfort Zone assuming a dominant position at the head of the betting.

The going - which is good to soft, good in places - was cited as the reason for Scriptwriter's non-appearance and it has resulted in the JP McManus-owned juvenile being a best-priced 11-10 for this Grade 1.

It should not come as a surprise, the first five in the betting for the JCB Triumph Hurdle at Cheltenham in March are all trained in Ireland, and Comfort Zone is one of those at 20-1.

Moreover, his trainer is more confident the ground will not be an issue for him in the same way it was for Scriptwriter, who was the shortest of the British-trained horses in the ante-post market for the Triumph - also at 20-1.

Comfort Zone's trainer Joseph O'Brien, who enjoyed a winner at Leopardstown on Monday courtesy of one-time Derby favourite High Definition, said of his chance. "He goes there in good form. We think he'll handle the ground and he's come forward from his last start at Fairyhouse."

Harris may be down his main challenger, but he is still represented and is keen on the chance of second-string Havaila despite huge odds.

He added of recent Sandown second Havaila: "I believe he's a good horse. He'll love the ground whatever it is and he's definitely not without a chance. He's improving, big time, and I'll be surprised if he's not competitive."

What they say

Dan Skelton, trainer of Medyaf
He's a tough customer and I think the track will suit. He's got an each-way chance.

Fergal O'Brien, trainer of Fils De Roi
He's in great form, we freshened him up after Huntingdon and we hope he'll go better on softer ground. It's competitive so we'd be delighted if we're in the first three.

Jane Williams, trainer of Jupiter Allen
It's a strong race this season and the ground has gone against us but our horses improve significantly from their first to second and second to third runs, so we're looking forward to it.

Gary Moore, trainer of Perseus Way
I think he's got a nice chance. He won well last time at Leicester but I'm not really sure about what he beat.

Rebecca Menzies, trainer of The Churchill Lad
Hopefully he can step up in a better race. He had to make the running last time but there will be a stronger pace to aim at. He'll be fine on the ground.

Paul Nicholls, trainer of Dixon Cove
She's a tough filly and won well at Aintree last time. She stays well so this stiff track should suit her. She's got a chance in a hot race.

Read the rest of Tuesday's previews:

1.10 Leopardstown: Paul Townend: 'This is Chacun's playground and whatever beats him will win'

1.20 Kempton: Is Boothill's bid for Wayward Lad success as simple as his odds suggest?

1.29 Limerick: Can Gordon Elliott strike again? Analysis and quotes for the Limerick feature

1.45 Leopardstown: Easy work for Facile Vega? Irish racing's next big thing tackles Grade 1 novice

2.30 Kempton: 'This race fits in perfectly' - Edwardstone primed to play the star role again

2.50 Chepstow: 2022 Welsh Grand National pinstickers' guide: quotes and ratings for every horse

3.00 Leopardstown: Paddy Power Chase: key quotes and insight for one of Ireland's biggest handicaps

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