Donald McCain remains confident Overturn will make life "very difficult" for red-hot favourite Simonsig in the Racing Post Arkle Challenge Trophy at Cheltenham.

Winner of a Chester Cup and Northumberland Plate on the level, Overturn also claimed the Fighting Fifth and the Galway Hurdle over timber and was a superb second in last year's Champion Hurdle, before switching to fences this season. He has since won at Sandown, Doncaster and Musselburgh.

Asked for his thoughts on Simonsig, McCain replied with a smile: "He's been grand, he's been very impressive, but he hasn't been second in a Champion Hurdle, has he? We know what Overturn will do. If Simonsig can follow him and go past him then good luck to him, but it's not going to be easy."

The trainer went on: "Everything has gone very smoothly for our horse, we've got all the runs in we wanted to get in and we have plenty of time to get him ready.

"We go there with the feeling his style of racing will make it very difficult for the likes of Simonsig. We aren't going to have to change anything with him, he has his way of doing it and he's done it under all disciplines - Flat, hurdles and fences.

"If someone wants to go quicker, that's fine, it's not an issue. He'll go his gallop and I think if he goes there and jumps well and meets everything right, which he has done so far, that makes him an even harder horse to get past, doesn't it? We're thoroughly looking forward to it."

McCain admits Overturn's incredible appetite for the game is something he relishes each morning.

The Cheshire-based handler went on: "He comes out every day and just makes you smile. When he ran in the Champion Hurdle last year it's probably the only time I've seen him absolutely shattered, but we brought him out the next day and he wanted to go again - that's just him.

"We take him for granted a little because he just comes out every day and does his thing. He wouldn't be as good a work horse as Peddlers Cross, but he has this gallop in him for two miles and, so far, the jumping has gone with it.

"I'd love him to have his big day jumping. He's won his big races on the Flat and the Fighting Fifth over hurdles, but I'd love him to have his really big day. He's earned it," he said.

13 May 2013

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Aspect on route to big things
Room at the top for Cityscape
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Lucky thirteen in line for Lockinge
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Sajjhaa set for late return
Cadeaux thriving in Singapore
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12 May 2013

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Hard-fought battle won at Haydock
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11 May 2013

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Ramsa ready to stand Trial
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Murphy to move to France
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Lambe expects good run from Hall
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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