A quiet New Year's Eve and here are the thoughts of our Long Shot tipster.
Uttoxeter
J: Osian Radford
T: Evan Williams
The Cypriot had shown only very modest form in bumpers and maiden and novice hurdles last season and was sent off handicap hurdling off an initial mark of 98 at Exeter in April. He failed to fire that day and it was a similar story on seasonal return at Stratford in October. Connections then gave him a wind operation and showed a glimmer of ability at Ffos Las last time out when attempting to make all the running and finishing 5th of 10. However a combination of factors such as being dropped to a mark of 89, a 10lb claiming apprentice rider on board, first time tongue tie and back down in distance to 2m, make The Cypriot a very intriguing proposition today. If allowed to make the running he might be a hard horse to catch in the closing stages. The Cypriot rates a 4 star each way Pick.