Relkeel Hurdle: Marie's Rock gifted 'handy allowance' on big-race return

Sunday: 2.30 Cheltenham
careers@dornangroup.com Relkeel Hurdle (Grade 2) | 2m4½f | 5yo+ | ITV/RTV

Mares' Hurdle champion Marie's Rock faces a considerable challenge on the first stop towards her Cheltenham Festival defence, but trainer Nicky Henderson hopes the mares' allowance will give her the advantage.

The eight-year-old is against geldings in open company for the first time and also lacks the match fitness of all eight rivals, with this her first start since landing the Mares' Champion Hurdle at the Punchestown festival in late April.

Yet owners Middleham Park have reported she has produced some "absolutely exceptional" pieces of work in the build-up and that this run would inform connections as to whether the Stayers' Hurdle could become an alternative Cheltenham target in March. As it stands, the Mares' Hurdle remains the aim.

Although a thorough test is expected, the 7lb allowance means she is officially the one to beat on ratings, and early market moves have been similarly encouraging.

Henderson said: "When we looked at the programme book we couldn't find a two-and-a-half-mile hurdle race before this. Nothing has gone wrong – it's the first race available for her. She's in good form and will come on for the run. She's got a handy allowance in a race like this."

Oscar Whisky's second success in this in 2012 was the last victory in the Relkeel for Henderson, who also runs First Street, whose County Hurdle second to State Man received a significant boost over Christmas.

He, like a number of Sunday's opponents, was set to run in the International Hurdle at Cheltenham last month until the card fell victim to frost.

The trainer added: "We wanted to run in the International, so it's a bit of a pity we lost that. We'll try him over two and a half miles now, but he finished strongly at Newbury, which was a good performance. His run in the County Hurdle is very strong form."

Nicholls: 'Knappers Hill keeps on winning and this will suit well'

Constitution Hill sits firmly on top of the British two-mile hurdling tree but second place is still open, and it could well be between Knappers Hill and I Like To Move It.

The intended International Hurdle clash has been delayed and the distance increased, which could be to the benefit of Knappers Hill. Paul Nicholls' star kicked his season off with success at this distance in the Silver Trophy at Chepstow and it was followed by a classy performance in the Elite Hurdle at Wincanton in November.

Knappers Hill: ran out an impressive winner of the Elite Hurdle in NovemberCredit: Alan Crowhurst (Getty Images)

"He's in good shape but I don't want too much more rain," said the champion trainer. "Good to soft would be fine and two and a half miles is a good trip for him. He keeps on winning and this race should suit him well."

Yet local trainer Nigel Twiston-Davies believes the track is a major plus for the chances of I Like To Move It. He made it 3-5 at Cheltenham when shouldering top weight in the Greatwood last time.

Twiston-Davies said: "All has been smashing with him. We wanted to go for the International Hurdle, which was then off. He's back to his favourite track and I'm very hopeful of a great run."

What they say

Gary Moore, trainer of Botox Has
It's a step up in class again but he hasn't done anything wrong so far this season. He was very good at Haydock when giving plenty of weight away but I'd like the ground to be a bit softer.

Olly Murphy, trainer of Brewin'upastorm
He badly needed the run at Ascot last time on his second start since a wind op and has come on for that. When he turns up he's very good. It looks competitive but he's got some unfinished business at Cheltenham. He handles the track well but the last hurdle has got in the way a couple of times.

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?

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

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

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