Cheltenham preview (14.40): Jazz takes the Mick in Greatwood Hurdle

David Metcalf | November 14, 2015

Mick Jazz can take advantage of what looks an lenient opening mark to land the Greatwood Hurdle at Cheltenham (14.40).

The ex-French trained gelding had just two starts last season after joining Dan Skelton with a tall reputation and shaped with bags of promise on both occasions.

In the first of those at Newbury, the four-year-old led travelling well approaching three out until weakening after the last to finish a 4 3/4 length third to Old Guard. He now meets the winner on 15lb better terms, and that should be more than enough turn turn the tables.

Mick Jazz backed that up with a 4 1/2 length second to Top Notch at Ascot when sent off at odds-on.

After being held-up racing keenly in the earlier stages, Mick Jazz made smooth headway on the bridle two from home before being produced to lead at the last.

Mick Jazz a smooth hurdler

The son of Blue Bresil was the unable to match the winners’ turn of foot on the run-in, and probaly paid the price for his early exertions when failing to settle.

However, it was a cracking effort in hindsight as Top Notch went on to win his next two starts before finishing a fine second in the Grade 1 Triumph Hurdle.

Given that Top Notch is now rated 144, it makes Mick Jazz look thrown-in at the weights in this off an opening mark of just 130.

Mick Jazz also remains unexposed and opens to stacks more improvement, and clearly has a big engine.