McFabulous was a smart bumper performer, so stepping him up in distance for the 2m 4f novice hurdle at Market Rasen on Tuesday may be just what he wants (15:15).
That is the impression of bookmakers who have him favourite to make it third time lucky over obstacles.
Trained by Paul Nicholls, this six-year-old won three of his four starts in National Hunt Flat races last season.
In the first of those on racecourse debut at Chepstow, he stormed clear of Ask Dillon to score by an impressive 2 3/4 lengths.
The runner-up has since won twice over hurdles and recently chased home Limited Reserve in the Grade 3 Heroes Handicap Hurdle at Sandown when conceding 17lb in weight and allowances.
Lisnagar Oscar, who was beaten a further four lengths at Chepstow in third, went on to bolt up in a Grade 2 novice hurdle at Haydock.
He was also a fine third to champion stayer Paisley Park in the Cleeve, so that gives the form a solid look.
Although then only seventh to Master Debonair in a Listed affair at Cheltenham, McFabiulous got unbalanced around the undulating track.
He resumed winning ways at Newbury before landing the Grade 2 bumper at Aintree’s Grand National meeting by a length.
Why McFabulous can bounce back
Thebannerkingrebel, who chased him home on Merseyside, has come out and won three of his first four hurdles starts this season. That again advertises the form nicely.
Ditcheat maestro Nicholls has kept McFabulous at 2m on his two hurdles outings this term so far.
He was far from disgraced on his bow over obstacles on return to action at Chepstow when runner-up to Silver Hallmark.
The son of Oscar trailed in last of four to old rival Master Debonair in the Grade 2 Kennel Gate at Ascot on bottomless ground last time out.
Given his pedigree and bumper form, it may be that this horse simply wants further and a sounder surface.
McFabulous gets both at Market Rasen so, with Nicholls on a terrific 35 per cent strike rate with his runners in the last 14 days, he looks well worth a wager at 11/8 with 888Sport.
Jockey Harry Cobden is also in red-hot form and operating a similar percentage in the saddle.
It would be no surprise, then, to see connections get this horse back to winning ways now down in class and up in distance.
Bet of the Day: 11/8 with 888Sport, McFabulous in the 2m 4f novice hurdle at Market Rasen.
