Can Pentland Hills buck the trends to win on Cheltenham chase bow?

Pentland Hills is making his chasing debut in the 2019 International Hurdle. He has only run at Huntingdon twice before and won from a mark of 69 at Haydock in September. Tommy's Oscar is trained by Ann Hamilton and has a 31% strike-rate over fences in last five seasons. Tommy’s Oscar won a point in Ireland when trained in Colin Bowe and his dam reached a higher level over hurdles than fences. Banbridge won the Martin Pipe at the course last season. Glory And Fortune and Sole Pretender complete a high-class six runners.

Tommy's Oscar is a winner eight times from 14 starts over hurdles. Carlisle was abandoned on Monday. Tommy's trainer Ann Hamilton will take him to Cheltenham. The 155-rated hurdler is ready for a run. Hamilton might stay over fences if things go well at Cheltonham or try Newcastle's Fighting Fifth Hurdle later this month.

Pentland Hills makes his Cheltenham chase bow. It's his first run over fences for trainer Nicky Henderson. He's in good form since his chase debut win. He has the experience from two runs over the fences two years ago. Tom Lacey thinks Glory And Fortune has been overlooked. Jonbon and Balco Coastal will be split up for the novice chases.

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