The feature race at Huntingdon this Thursday is the Listed 2m 3f Sidney Banks Novices’ Hurdle (14:31), where Shishkin is fully expected to justify cramped odds and further enhance his Cheltenham Festival claims.
After winning two of his three starts in Irish points, this six-year-old was sent off 4/6 favourite to make a winning debut for Seven Barrows handler Nicky Henderson in a 20-runner maiden hurdle at Newbury only to come to grief at the second flight.
Shishkin then made amends for that mishap with an impressive success at the same venue last month when easily beating Shakem Up’Aarry by 11 lengths in a 14-runner novice contest.
After racing a bit keenly in the early stages, the son of Sholokhov cruised into contention two from home.
He was then produced to take up the running at the last and showed a smart turn of foot to instantly out the race to bed.
The way in which Shishkin moved through the gears was a joy to watch and marked him out as something potentially special.
It also saw the imposing gelding, who carries the same colours of Gold Cup hero Al Boum Photo, hammered in the ante post betting for the Grade 1 Supreme Novices’ Hurdle at the Cheltenham Festival.
Shishkin is the current favourite for the 2m contest on March 10. Henderson made no secret after the race of the high regard in which he is held.
If he is to live up to lofty expectations, then he has to be winning this with the minimum of fuss.
It looks like a gilt edged opportunity for Shishkin to gain some more experience before the Supreme next month, so it will be disappointing if he doesn’t land odds of 4/11 with Boylesports here.
Top-rated Pacify the main danger
Pacify is officially the highest rated in the Sidney Banks Novices Hurdle line-up and lost little in defeat when runner-up last time out.
He looks the obvious one to take advantage if Shishkin fails to live up to expectations.
The eight-year-old, who was a smart performer on the level and rated 100 when in the care of Ralph Beckett, won his first five starts over hurdles after joining Jamie Snowdon in the manner of an above average sort.
In the last of those at Kempton back in October on seasonal reappearance, Pacify made all.
He only had to be shaken up after the last to readily account for Cardigan Bay by 1 3/4 lengths in a seven-runner Listed contest. It was a most taking display.
That saw Pacify, who is owned by the Duchess of Cornwall and Arsenal chairman Sir Chips Keswick, pitched into Grade 2 company the following month at Cheltenham.
Although beaten three lengths by Hang In Three in the Sharp Novices’ Hurdle, the son of Paco Boy stuck to the task well and and put in a solid round of jumping.
The pair also pulled 14 lengths clear of the third home Ecco, who finished sixth in the Grade 1 Triumph Hurdle at last year’s Cheltenham Festival and went into the race on the back of two successes.
That gives the form a solid look in relation to this lower grade affair. Pacify was also attempting to give the winner 5lb that day.
The pair now meet on level terms, so that may well be enough to see him turn the tables.
Having been given a break to freshen-up, Pacify looks sure to make a bold bid to resume winnings ways and can be backed at 7/1 with Betfred.
Hang In There and Shan Blue also have shouts in Sidney Banks Novices’ Hurdle
The aforementioned Hang In There found life too hot last time out when a well-beaten fifth in the Grade 1 Tolworth Hurdle at Sandown, but commands plenty of respect now returned to much calmer waters.
Prior to that below par effort, this Emma Lavelle trained six-year-old had opened his account over the obstacles in fine style at Chepstow.
He readily beat Getaway Fred by seven lengths, before following-up in the Sharp at Cheltenham.
Hang In There made virtually in the latter all in the hands of Adam Wedge, showing a smart turn of foot to quicken five lengths clear rounding the home turn before staying on powerfully up the stiff uphill finish to fend off the rallying Pacify.
Whether he will be able to confirm the form with that on revised terms is questionable.
However, similar tactics could see Hang In There tough to peg back if allowed an easy lead. He is a best-price 10/1 with Ladbrokes for the Sidney Banks Novices’ Hurdle.
Shan Blue is another who can’t be discounted now dropped back significantly in trip, having finished a fine third last time out in a Grade 2 Ballymore trial at Cheltenham.
Dan Skelton’s six-year-old, who was sent off joint-favourite, travelled well until being unable to find any extra after getting headed at the second last to be beaten three lengths by Mossy Fen.
He seemed not to get home, so dropping back in trip a couple of furlongs is a plus.
Shan Blue previously bolted up by 20 lengths at Southwell over 2m, so a flatter track may also suit him and he’s 7/1 with Paddy Power here.
