Countdown to Cheltenham: Goshen back in Champion Hurdle picture after Kingwell success

Goshen catapulted himself back into the Champion Hurdle picture by bolting up in the Kingwell Hurdle at Wincanton on Saturday afternoon.

After unseating at the last when miles clear in last year’s Triumph, the five-year-old had disappointed on both Flat and Jumps outings this season.

However, today’s 22-length demolition of Song For Someone represented a remarkable return to form and Betfair cut Gary Moore’s charge into 5/1 third-favouritism for the day one Cheltenham feature.

“I was just hoping he would do what he has done today,” Moore said. “It has to be the Champion Hurdle next. It has always been the target since last year. We’re hoping we can go there with every chance.”

Lisnagar back to form at Haydock

Last year’s 50/1 Stayers’ Hurdle winner Lisnagar Oscar was much-improved despite finishing second in the Rendlesham Hurdle at Haydock.

Rebecca Curtis’ stable star finished half-a-length behind the winner, Third Wind, giving away 7lbs, and was cut to 16/1 from 25/1 to defend his crown at Cheltenham.

“It’s not easy giving weight away so I’m delighted and it’s next stop Cheltenham,” Curtis said.

“Some might have thought it was a fluke last year, but we never have and he always runs his best races at Cheltenham.”

Remastered impresses at Ascot

Remastered has Cheltenham options in both the Brown Advisory Novices’ Chase and National Hunt Chase after his victory in the Reynoldstown at Ascot.

The strength of the form remains to be seen in a race that rather fell apart - the top three in the antepost betting did not line-up, while second-favourite Sevarano sadly suffered a fatal injury - but jockey Tom Scudamore was impressed.

“He jumped superbly all the way round, and fences have made a real man of him,” Scudamore said.

“He’s unbeaten over fences and has really taken to them. He’s got plenty of options at Cheltenham.”

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