Thomas Edison top-weight in StanJames.com Greatwood Hurdle at Cheltenham
Wednesday 4 November 2015 13:07, UK
Thomas Edison has been given top-weight in the StanJames.com Greatwood Hurdle at Cheltenham on November 15.
Those at the head of the handicap have a fine record in the race, with Rooster Booster (2002), Rigmarole (2003), Detroit City (2006) and Menorah (2010) carrying 11st 12lb to victory since 2000 while Khyber Kim and Garde Le Victorie also shouldered heavy burdens.
One for money in recent days in the ante-post market has been Brian Ellison's Totalize (10st 3lb) and he has been confirmed as being on target.
"At the moment, Totalize is a runner in the StanJames.com Greatwood Hurdle," said Ellison, who is based in Norton, North Yorkshire.
"They don't quite go fast enough for him in the staying races on the Flat, but his second behind Seamour earlier this season was a great run.
"He's not had much racing for a six-year-old and all horses have their problems, but he is fine at the moment. He wouldn't want the going to be on the fast side, but he will be fine as long as there is a bit of juice in the ground.
"We have kept him for a campaign over hurdles this winter and, while I don't think he is well treated, he will certainly run his race off his current mark."
Totalize is a 16-1 chance with Sky Bet who bet 10-1 the field.
Another who is being aimed at the race is Dr Richard Newland's Ebony Express (10st 8lb), last season's Imperial Cup winner.
"The plan is for Ebony Express to run in the Greatwood," said Newland.
"Whether he's up to that, we'll just have to see, but we may as well have a go. He's won an Imperial Cup already but hasn't run since the County Hurdle."
John Ferguson is very well represented with 10 entries, of whom last Saturday's Ascot winner Nabucco (10st 8lb) is among the favourites.
Devilment and Maputo (11st 4lb), Commissioned (11st 11lb) and Penglai Pavilion (11st 3lb) are other major chances for Ferguson.
Clondaw Warrior (10st 5lb), All Yours (11st 4lb) and Superb Story (10st) all feature at 10-1 with the sponsors.
