Andy Holding & Tom Love Cross-Sport Double Day Two

Without being anyway disrespectful to the rest of the field, the two standout prospects here lie in the hands of the Willie Mullins-trained pair SIR GERHARD (NAP) (Best price 9-4) and Kilcruit, and of the duo, the former gets the confident vote to take home stable bragging rights.

Formerly trained by Gordon Elliott until recent events intervened, the former point winner arrives here with an unbeaten record of 2-2 in bumpers under rules and with both performances impressiving in many different ways, he will hopefully have the sort of game to cope with whatever is thrown in his direction. Imperious when quickening up smartly at Down Royal on his seasonal debut back in October, the six-year-old showed a different side to his make-up when ploughing his way through much tougher conditions at Navan when last seen. Saved for this race ever since, this powerfully built gelding has an action to strongly suggest he will improve immeasurably for some better ground and if today’s affair becomes a foot-race from the bottom of the hill, Willie Mullins’ inmate may just have too many gears for his rivals.

BARNSLEY (best price 5-6) are setting the Championship alight with their unbelievably strong form. Valerian Ismael has been an inspired appointment and his modern, high pressing style has overwhelmed opponents and some are even wondering if the Tykes can sneak into the automatic reckoning. That may be a bit far fetched but they’re now 5 points clear of Bournemouth in 7th  after 8 wins in their last 9 and they can add to that as they head to bottom side Wycombe. The Chairboys got a huge win at the weekend but were against a really poor Preston side, this will be a much tougher test. Barnsley look a solid play on Wednesday night.