Willy Twiston-Davies believes the step up in trip will help bring out the required improvement needed for Potters Charm to be a serious player in the Howden Long Walk Hurdle at Ascot on Saturday.
A smart novice last season when he won the Formby Novices’ Hurdle at Aintree, the six-year-old was an early faller at Wetherby last month on his only previous attempt at three miles.
Third behind Gordon Elliott’s Wodhooh in the Ascot Hurdle over just short of two and a half miles, his main aim is the Stayers’ Hurdle. He will be joined in the race by stablemate Beauport, who put up a big performance 12 months ago when only caught late on by Crambo.
“We’re really looking forward to running him, the step up to three miles should bring out some improvement,” Twiston-Davies told Sky Sports Racing.
“We were quite aggressive with him the last day so we’ll be able to take our time a bit on Saturday. He hasn’t got a lot to find, so hopefully he’ll have a very good chance.
“Obviously Beauport ran very well in the race last year, so we’re going there with two live chances.
“Potters Charm won a Grade One last year over two miles, he settles very well, so hopefully he’ll get the trip and it brings out improvement as well.
“As soon as he crossed the line last time Sam (Twiston-Davies, jockey and brother) and I decided this is where we’d go. I wouldn’t swap him. It will probably be on to the Cleeve after this and then the Stayers’.”
He added: “Beauport was only caught late on last year, he’s been very consistent and is a lovely horse to train, Bryan and Philippa (Burrough, owners) are keen to have another go at the race.
“He can mix fences and hurdles and he’ll go where the prize-money is.”