The Cheltenham festival is coming around quickly and with that in mind we have picked out an ante-post selection for the Grade One Triumph Hurdle on the last day of the four day meeting.
The horse we think can go well at 12/1 is the four year old Vauban for Willie Mullins and Rich Ricci in the famous pink and green silks.
The exciting prospect has been seen five times in his racing career, running four times on the flat in France, starting in April when finishing fourth of 10 in a Maiden and then finished in the same position when stepped up to 1m4f at Chantilly.
Vauban seemed to get the hang of things next time out getting off the mark at Lyon Parilly in a three runner event and he made it two from two when last seen on the flat, winning a Listed event by a short head.
Bought and moved over to Ireland to race in the national hunt sphere, he was given his hurdles debut at Punchestown in a good 3-Y-O Maiden.
The gelding had to settle for second that day behind the ex John Gosden trained Pied Piper who looks to be a specialist in heavy ground.
Vauban caught the eye back in second with Paul Townend looking to take him up the inside but it not working and ultimately cost him the race.
On a better surface he is sure to be much improved and he will also progress for his first try over obstacles.
With an entry at the Dublin Racing Festival he could be much shorter come the off of the Grade One Triumph Hurdle and currently at 12/1 he represents big each way value.
