A Grade 1 juvenile hurdle winner, PENTLAND HILLS makes his debut over the larger obstacles. He defied a lengthy absence of over two years when making a winning comeback on the Flat at Haydock last month and Nicky Henderson’s charge is well clear of Aucunrisque at the weights on his hurdles form, though the latter also made a winning reappearance when scoring at Uttoxeter on his chasing bow and will be no pushover despite the unfavourable terms.
Pentland Hills (IRE) 11-4fav (9-4) Held up in mid-division on inside, not clear run and switched out 2f out, headway chasing leaders over 1f out, strong challenge inside final furlong, led on line, won at Haydock 1m 6f hcp (5) gs in Sep beating Red Derek (8-5) by shd, 14 ran.
Aucunrisque (FR) 4-6fav (11-2) Led, headed 6th, remained prominent, good jump and led 3 out, driven out run-in and always doing enough, won at Uttoxeter 2m (3) gs in Oct beating Jetoile (11-2) by 3/4l, 4 ran.
