Fontwell's Grade 2 National Spirit Hurdle on Sunday marks the next destination for the enigmatic frontrunner Allmankind.
The Dan Skelton-trained six-year-old has been off the track since beating just one rival home when sent off the 1/1 favourite for the Peterborough Chase at Huntingdon in December. You can follow the action via our Sports Live Streaming platform.
Mixed form for Allmankind
That no-show was preceded by a game success in the Old Roan Chase, shouldering 11st 10lb to secure a fifth win over fences, with four of those coming in graded contests.
However, just as he did for his seasonal reappearance at Chepstow, Allmankind reverts to hurdles, a sphere in which he was a Grade 1 winner as a juvenile.
Although it will be a first trip to Fontwell and the furthest he has ever tackled over the smaller obstacles, the stamina Allmankind demonstrated carrying such a large weight over two miles four and a half furlongs at Aintree in October, suggests that the gelding should relish the 2m3f trip at the Sussex track.
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Allmankind has been sent off favourite for nine of his last 11 starts with the only occasions he was less-fancied coming at the Cheltenham Festival in the 2020 Triumph Hurdle and last year's Arkle where he had the impossible job of chasing home Shishkin.
No favourite's tag for Allmankind
However, with the presence of last year's winner Brewin'upastorm, Allmankind is unlikley to have the burden of being market leader. But his connections are excited about the prospect of seeing him run after being freshened up.
Skelton, who is seeking his first win in the race said: "He doesn't get a penalty because he's back over hurdles and I'm chuffed to bits with him.
"He's a player at this trip and the track will suit. He's in much better form than he was after Huntingdon."
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