Cinders can have a ball, says McCain

Racing Correspondent KEITH McHUGH on the Cheltenham trail

BACKERS of hot favourite Hurricane Fly in next Tuesday’s Champion Hurdle may get their fingers burned.

Donald McCain, trainer of 14-1 shot Cinders And Ashes, reckons his big-race hope is a major contender following the recent dry spell.

The six-year-old, a three-parts brother to top-class Flat performer Sea Moon, won the Supreme Novices’ Hurdle at last year’s Cheltenham Festival, beating the ill-fated, but brilliant Darlan in tremendous style.

Two runs this season have been disappointing, however.

Cinders And Ashes was a distant second to Countrywide Flame in the Fighting Fifth Hurdle and could trail in only fifth behind Darlan in Kempton’s Christmas Hurdle.

But both those races were run on bottomless ground and Cheshire trainer McCain reckons they are best ignored when considering Cinders And Ashes’ chance in the Champion Hurdle.

He said: “I don’t think he can be judged until he gets his ground. I am very happy with him at home.

“I like to think we will see a completely different horse on Champion Hurdle Day.

“He can run a big race. This horse has tactical speed and swithes off. (But) Hurricane Fly is the one to beat.”

It could be a fantastic opening day of the Festival for McCain because his stable flag bearer, Overturn, is a strong fancy for the Arkle Chase.

High-class on the Flat and over hurdles, Overturn has taken to steeplechasing like a duck to water, winning his three starts in novice company without breaking sweat.

The biggest stumbling block to success next Tuesday is Simonsig, a horse with almost as big a reputation as last year’s Arkle hero, Sprinter Sacre.

He has won both his novice starts by wide margins, but McCain reckons he will do well to live with his trailblazer, who ran a screamer to be second to Rock On Ruby in last year’s Champion Hurdle.

“I would love Overturn to have his big day jumping,” said McCain of his 2011 Chester Cup winner.

“He has this gallop for two miles – he keeps galloping and is just so enthusiastic. Touch wood, the jumping has gone with it.

“Simonsig has been very impressive, but he hasn’t been second in the Champion Hurdle.”