Dunguib primed for Supreme test :: Horse Racing News

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02:36 Friday 10th February 2012

Updated: 15th March 2010

Dunguib primed for Supreme test

PA News

Dunguib has enjoyed the perfect preparation for Tuesday's Spinal Research Supreme Novices' Hurdle at Cheltenham.

Trainer Philip Fenton is happy that everything has gone according to plan for the seven-year-old, who arrives at Prestbury Park unbeaten over hurdles. He has polarised opinion in the run-up to the meeting, with some people describing him as a banker and others convinced his novicey jumping could prove a stumbling block.

However, Fenton is unconcerned by such talk and said: "Everything has gone just fine with him. We've kept him away from the track on purpose because he is a bit excitable, we've had him stabled at Jim Wilson's."

The handler added: "He did his final half-speed on Thursday and of course it is very exciting to be heading to the first race of the meeting with the hot favourite. We've not had the slightest problem with him, we wouldn't have declared him otherwise, no setbacks or anything."

Dunguib will face 17 rivals in the Festival opener, with the most notable withdrawals at the declaration stage being Bellvano, Peddlers Cross and Rite Of Passage, but all three have other options at the meeting.

With Dunguib such a short price at the head of affairs, there are some fancy prices around for some highly-regarded youngsters, with Nicky Henderson's unbeaten Oscar Whisky falling into that bracket.

Henderson said: "He has a lot of ability but probably lacks experience. He is a bonny sort who goes about his business really professionally. I think he has a very realistic chance. If there is any chink in Dunguib then it is an open race and I remember a 1-14 favourite (Zaynar) who got beaten recently, so it can happen!"

Dual bumper winner Dan Breen is thrown in at the deep end after making a winning debut over hurdles at Doncaster last month. However, his trainer David Pipe believes the unexposed five-year-old is no forlorn hope.

"He's in good form, he hasn't done anything wrong. He was impressive last time at Doncaster and the form's been franked. He jumped and travelled very well that day," said Pipe. "Obviously he's got to improve again to be involved in the finish, but he's a lively outsider."