Trainer Charlie Longsdon is confident Pendra will raise his game for the 32Red Hurdle Novices' Hurdle at Sandown Park.

The five-year-old is unbeaten in a bumper and two small races over hurdles, and now finds himself in the intense atmosphere of a Grade One, which is registered as the Tolworth Hurdle.

He is bred for the job, however, being the first foal of the smart mare Mariah Rollins, a Grade One winner for Pat Fahey who later joined Nicky Henderson.

Longsdon said: "He's a great big strapping type who absolutely loves the soft ground. In the three races he's had to date he's done absolutely nothing wrong at all. He's not flashy by any means, he only ever just does what he thinks is enough, but because of that we have absolutely no idea how good he could be.

"I hope he'll improve, and I'm sure he will because we've always thought he'd be the type to run better in a better race rather than look impressive against inferior opposition."

Pendra is among seven declarations, which include Golden Hoof and Royal Boy from the Henderson yard. Barry Geraghty had the choice of the two Seven Barrows runners and admitted it was not an easy decision to plump for Royal Boy.

He said: "It wasn't the easiest call I've ever had to make, but at the end of the day it boiled down to the ground. I think Golden Hoof might just want the ground a bit better, especially stepping up in class. On the other hand, Royal Boy coped with the really heavy ground well at Cheltenham the last day."

Jeremy Scott runs the promising Melodic Rendezvous, while the Clive Cox-trained Poet, who is part-owned by the Hungerford handler's landlord John Francome, will aim to follow up an impressive debut win over hurdles at Newbury.

Francome said: "He won at Newbury better than could have been expected - you always worry a little when they go hurdling as late on as seven. It's not easy teaching the older horses, and he wouldn't go over a pole to begin with, but after flattening the first at Newbury he jumped really well.

"He didn't have a race last time, he was still on the bridle after the last and it would have been the easiest race of his life. As long as he runs well he can be a bit of a project and I'm sure we'll find his level. This is a step up in class, but not when you compare it to the horses he was running against on the Flat."

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
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12 May 2013

No hurry for Jammy plans
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Vow set for Goodwood return
Gold-en boy Anodin in Classic hunt
Buick aiming for French strike
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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
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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