Ballyandy the one to beat in Champion Bumper

David Metcalf | March 15, 2016

Ballyandy can bowl over rivals in Champion Bumper

Irish trained horses have won 17 out of the 23 runnings the Weatherbys Champion Bumper, but Ballyandy looks to hold outstanding claims of landing the spoils for the home team in this year’s renewal of the 2m contest (17.30).

The Nigel Twiston-Davies trained five-year-old has won three of his four starts, with his sole defeat coming two starts back in a Listed contest at Ascot.

Ballyandy went down fighting by just one length to Coeur Blimey, and now meets the winner on 7lb better terms.

That should be more than enough for the gelding to reverse the placings, and Ballyandy has since gone on to land a Listed contest at Newbury in ultra-impressive fashion.

After travelling strongly throughout, Ballyandy took up the running rounding the home turn and powered clear to score by nine lengths.

One to keep onside

It was a most taking performance, especially given that fact that Ballyandy was giving weight away all-round, and one which suggested he was a well-above average performer who needed keeping firmly onside.

The race has also proved a good trial for this, and the son of Kayf Tara is a strapping sort who remains open to stacks more improvement.

Ballyandy is also a relentless galloper and looks the type who will relish the stiff finish up the famous Cheltenham hill.