Alan King's Vendor aims to put a disappointing seasonal reappearance behind him in the Sportingbet Intermediate Hurdle at Newbury on Thursday.

The two-mile Listed contest, better known as the Gerry Feilden, was won by subsequent Champion Hurdle winner Rock On Ruby 12 months ago. While it is unlikely to unearth a similar star this time around, each of the six runners can be given some sort of chance.

French recruit Vendor, a staying-on third when favourite for last season's Fred Winter Juvenile Hurdle at the Cheltenham Festival, was pulled up on his comeback at Aintree but connections are hopeful he can bounce back.

Tony Stafford, racing manager for owners Thurloe Thoroughbreds, said: "Unfortunately things didn't work out at Aintree. He pulled too hard, running on very soft ground over a trip that was too far for him (two and a half miles).

"It was probably wrong to go there in hindsight, but he had to start somewhere and hopefully he'll have improved considerably for the run. He's back at two miles, which is where he wants to be. The ground is a bit of an issue. I think he acts on it but obviously he's got to relax when he is running in testing conditions.

"He is far more relaxed at home now, so hopefully he is the same when he gets back on the racecourse. He is a talented horse. He's only a four-year-old and still quite raw and I think we've only scratched the surface so far. He was very green in the Fred Winter. It was his first dog fight and he was stuck in traffic, but he finished his race well."

The Rebecca Curtis-trained Peckhamecho reverts to hurdles after being well beaten on his last two starts over fences.

Curtis said: "He's probably on a high enough mark, but hopefully he'll run well. It's a confidence booster as much as anything as he has lost his confidence over fences. Hopefully he'll enjoy himself. He has won on soft ground over hurdles, but I suppose it's going to be extremely soft, so that would be another question mark."

Dean Ivory does not have many runners over jumps, but is confident of a bold show from Valid Reason following his fine second at Sandown earlier this month.

"On his last run, he has to go there with a very good chance. He ran really well at Sandown and just didn't get home up the hill. Back on a flatter track, it will suit him well. I thought the race would cut up a bit, but I didn't think it would cut up to just six runners, so it's great for us. He's fit and well and hopefully he'll run a very big race," said Ivory.

13 May 2013

Fabre confirms Ocovango for Epsom
Aspect on route to big things
Room at the top for Cityscape
Freedom steps into chasing ranks
Lucky thirteen in line for Lockinge
Galway beckons for Swinton hero
Sajjhaa set for late return
Cadeaux thriving in Singapore
Pink primed for Duke Of York
Liber takes aim at Musidora
Battle won for O'Brien
Pretending the real deal
Duntle back to winning ways
Classic glory for Flotilla
Style wins the day in Paris
Highclere double-handed for Dante
Cornerstone plans up in the air
Beckett planning Gesture workout

12 May 2013

No hurry for Jammy plans
Guest in hunt for more Ascot glory
Vow set for Goodwood return
Gold-en boy Anodin in Classic hunt
Buick aiming for French strike
Angel flies home to land Chartwell
Barizan bounces back in style
Queally lights up Ascot meeting
Ektihaam storms to Buckhounds win
Nevis takes depleted Trial contest
Hard-fought battle won at Haydock
Secret impresses in Oaks Trial
Ascot drama for Fanning

11 May 2013

Felix foot-perfect on fencing debut
Cavalryman leads Cup charge
Ramsa ready to stand Trial
Duntle out to dazzle in Amethyst
Swift return doesn't bother Moran
Garman gives Bolger hope
Henderson: Ground vital for Voice
McMahon sweet on Tart Ascot claims
Murphy to move to France
Athos flies to Ormonde glory
Dee day for impressive Magician
Kingdom confirmed for Queen Anne
Secret's out for Lingfield glory
Lambe expects good run from Hall
Marengo ready to do battle
Greatwood on trial at Lingfield
Barizan sneaks into Swinton
Jamesie gunning for Vic-tory

10 May 2013

Telescope focus is on Dante
Blinkers considered for Guarantee#
Bonfire camp bemoan Huxley flop
Moohaajim has six appeal
Ascot welcomes a couple of Guests