Crambo, Ascot's Long Walk Hurdle champion, is set for a direct path to the Stayers' Hurdle at Cheltenham. Trainer Fergal O'Brien confirmed this.
Jared Sullivan and Chris Giles own Crambo, a seven-year-old standout. The horse has risen with impressive performances. It won last year's EBF Final at Sandown. His significant victory over seasoned competitor Paisley Park at Ascot positioned him as a prominent contender in the staying division.
Crambo is currently at odds of 6-1 for the Cheltenham Stayers' Hurdle. He will skip the usual pre-Festival Cleeve Hurdle. Instead, he will prepare at O'Brien's Ravenswell Farm. "Crambo is in great form," O'Brien remarked. He noted the horse's recovery from the demanding Ascot race. The horse recently resumed work, displaying promising form.
O'Brien highlighted Crambo's resilience in the Ascot race. Crambo regained the lead from Paisley Park in a close finish. It was a testament to his will to win. This trait and his recent form bring confidence to both O'Brien and jockey Johnny Burke.
O'Brien seeks his first victory at the National Hunt's premier event. He approaches this year's festival with a strong lineup. Crambo's team includes Dysart Enos, a top contender for the Mares' Novices' Hurdle. Since transitioning to hurdles, Dysart Enos has remained undefeated. She won a Grade Two bumper. She has a Novices' Hurdle race scheduled at Doncaster. This is her final preparation before Cheltenham.
O'Brien looks forward to a promising Cheltenham Festival. Crambo and Dysart Enos are both in prime form for their respective challenges.