Vision Des Flos to Upset Sceau Royal in the Kingwell

With so much top quality racing on Saturday, some races are going to get lost in the action, and let’s hope that the Kingwell Hurdle at Wincanton isn’t one of those. A strong field of five go to post and the early betting has every single runner in single figure odds, showing just how competitive this is.

Sceau Royal, trained by Alan King is the favourite for the race and he returns hurdling after two chase races so far this season, one he won at Cheltenham, and one he struggled on soft ground at Kempton. He is the one horse in the race that stands above these when at his very best, but I have my doubts as to whether a return to hurdling will suit him, and whether he is 100% ready after that poor run at Kempton.

The safer option is the Colin Tizzard trained Vision Des Flos, who was very close behind Buveur D’Air last time out at Kempton, and he improved throughout the season. His initial task this season was go to novice chasing, but instead the yard have kept him to hurdles and so far he is rewarding them for that by racking up some prize money.

The Paul Nicholls trained youngster Grand Sancy is an interesting contender based on his second in a Grade One novice hurdle last time out, although he does have a penalty to carry for an earlier win, he should be getting weight from these because of his age but he isn’t.

Jolly’s Cracked It and Unison are the two outsiders, but pieces of their form is good enough for them to get involved in what is shaping up to be a very good race this weekend.

Vision Des Flos has been running well in defeat against some good horses, including when twice behind Champion Hurdle title holder Buveur D’Air, and I think it is his time to finally shine on Saturday. He is very talented, and with a couple of small question marks over Sceau Royal, I am more than happy to back Vision Des Flos to beat him and win this race on Saturday.