Get ready for Paddy to run well

Weather permitting Run For Paddy, who was an eye-catching third on his last visit to Cheltenham, can make a successful return to the Prestbury Park track today.

He looked like lifting the spoils in a three-mile handicap hurdle when he took a slight lead after the second last, but he was collared at the final flight and had to settle for third place behind It Takes Time and Janus Du Cochet.

Nevertheless, it was a fine effort and the drop back to two miles five and a half furlongs for the £25,000 Tote Exacta Hurdle (Showcase Handicap) can have the desired effect for the Heather Dalton-trained five-year-old.

A win for Run For Paddy, who has won over the course and distance as well as finishing an excellent second to Mister Banjo at the Gloucestershire-track last season, will bring a deserved change of luck for jockey Aidie Smith.

Smith looked sure of success on Stormtrooper at Southwell yesterday, until his mount took a crashing fall at the the second last fence when holding a commanding lead.

French challenger Jair Du Cochet will be a warm order for the Unicoin Homes Spa Hurdle but may be foiled by the ever-game Spendid who has run some of his best races at Cheltenham.