At 12 years old, the 2015 Champion Hurdle winner is almost twice the age of most of his rivals in the Grade One Flogas Novice Chase. Luminaries such as Florida Pearl and Sizing Europe managed it at the twilight of their superb careers over fences. Doing it as a novice is unheard of but that’s what Faugheen will attempt and with immense popular goodwill helping him along. However after his first start of the season behind Delta Work at Christmas the proven course and distance winner looks the one to beat given anticipated improvement from that run. Ceberus finished runner-up to the top English juvenile Allmankind at Chepstow so Sunday’s contest might provide an intriguing form link.

Source: The Irish Times February 01, 2020 07:52 UTC