Big run expected from Emery in Fred Winter

Although at first glance he isn't one of the leading contenders on the formbook, there is still quiet confidence amongst connections of the Warren Greatrex-trained Professeur Emery that he will run a very big race at the Cheltenham Festival in the Fred Winter Novices' Handicap Hurdle, writes Elliot Slater.

Greatrex is likely to have as many as four or five runners at the four-day fixture, amongst whom his leading hope is Knight Pass in the Cheltenham Festival Bumper, a race for which he is currently the ante-post favourite at Cheltenham odds 8/1. But Greatrex has also singled out his maiden hurdler Professeur Emery as a horse likely to run a big race, and his only doubt is whether or not the horse will get a run being some way down the weights at present.

The four-year-old gelding has a progressive profile, (although it has to be said that he started from a pretty low base), finishing miles behind in the first two of his five career outings earlier this winter before showing improved form at Newbury in December when finishing fourth of 16 runners to Third Intention at odds of 100/1.

A confirmed front-runner, the French bred son of Officiel then headed to Sandown in January where he led for most of the way in desperately heavy ground, only capitulating on the run-in, eventually finishing third to the useful Music Of The Moor. On his most recent start he adopted similar tactics over the same course and distance and was only caught in the last 100 yards by the promising Kumbeshwar.

Greatrex reckons that on decent ground Professeur Emery could lead them all a merry dance in the 'Fred Winter' and give supporters a seriously good run for their money. He is currently available at odds ranging between 20/1 and 40/1 for the two mile contest.