Front View looks well worth a wager to take the step up in trip and into Grade 3 company in the extended 2m 4f novice hurdle at Thurles this Thursday (15:25).
One of three in the race for trainer Joseph O’Brien, this five-year-old won the last of his bumper starts at the Punchestown Festival.
He beat Jungle Junction by a length, and the runner-up has since come out and landed a Navan maiden hurdle.
Prior to that, Front View chased home subsequent Cheltenham Champion Bumper runner-up Blue Sari at Gowran Park before being brought down at Naas.
The fact that the JP McManus owned gelding scored on a big stage like Punchestown suggested connections had a useful sort to go hurdling with this season.
That view was confirmed when Front View belied odds of 11/1 on his bow over the obstacles to chase home the mighty Envoi Allen at Down Royal.
The winner has since added two more Grade 1s to go with his Champion Bumper victory and is a red-hot favourite with bookmakers for the Ballymore Novices’ Hurdle at the Cheltenham Festival.
Why Front View odds appeal at Thurles
Front View was only beaten 6 1/2 lengths by Envoi Allen and the third home, Entoucas who was a further four lengths behind, has also scored since. That gives the form a solid look.
As the son of Konig Turf came out and won in some style at Cork when last in action, odds of 9/4 with Coral appeal.
The way in which he extended his advantage on the run-in to beat Uhtred by 1 3/4 lengths also suggests the step up in trip should suit.
Again, the runner-up is a useful tool who has since landed a Listed bumper at Navan.
With McManus’ retained rider Mark Walsh now aboard for the first time and on a 24 per cent strike in the saddle in the last 14 days, everything is in place for a big run.
Front View can take another step forward in a competitive race for the grade.
Bet of the Day: 9/4 with Coral, Front View in the extended 2m 4f Grade 3 novice hurdle at Thurles.
