Race of the Day 
/ Timeform / 26 February 2011 / Leave a Comment 
Celestial Halo looked more like his old self last time
"Celestial Halo and Karabak look the pair to focus on."
Celestial Halo looked back to himself when going down narrowly to Mille Chief in the Kingwell at Wincanton last time and is turned out quickly to make amends in the National Spirit at Fontwell. But he faces stiff opposition in the shape of Karabak amongst others....
Karabak deservedly regained winning thread in 2½m Relkeel hurdle at Cheltenham in December. Over 3 lengths behind Celestial Halo back at that venue since, though, and meets him on same terms here.
Trenchant is smart on his day, keeping on dourly when landing this race on heavy ground last year, but meets tougher opposition this time round and lack of a recent run probably no help.
Celestial Halo finished in front of Karabak when third over this trip at Cheltenham in December. As good as ever when going down fighting in Kingwell Hurdle last weekend and the one to beat if in a similar mood here.
Sentry Duty showed smart form when easily landing a 2½m event at Cheltenham 13 months ago. Never able to land a blow behind a few of these on return to hurdling in December, but place claims if back to best.
Afsoun was a very smart hurdler in his prime, third in 2007 Champion Hurdle. Become temperamental since, however, and hard to see him matching his third in this race last year.
Black Jack Blues made all when landing a 2m Ffos Las handicap in October. Stays this far and ran to a similar level when chasing home Oscar Whiskey in Welsh Champion Hurdle at that venue recently.
Tarkari is a rare improver since leaving Willie Mullins, excelling himself when not far behind Black Jack Blues in Welsh Champion Hurdle recently, but needs to raise his game again back up in trip.
Warne's Way is hard to predict, but back to best when winning a couple of handicaps this season (including here). Poor effort last time, though, and biting off more than he can chew in this exalted company.
Timeform 1-2-3
1. Celestial Halo
2. Karabak
3. Sentry Duty
Timeform's View: Celestial Halo and Karabak look the pair to focus on, with the former taken to confirm his most recent superiority over his old rival after going with all his old zest at Wincanton last week.
Celestial Halo looked back to himself when going down narrowly to Mille Chief in the Kingwell at Wincanton last time and is turned out quickly to make amends in the National Spirit at Fontwell. But he faces stiff opposition in the shape of Karabak amongst others.......
Timeform go through the field for Saturday's showpiece......
Timeform run the rule over this 13-runner handicap hurdle......
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