Triumph Hurdle hero Defi Du Seuil steps up in trip on seasonal return at Ascot
By Racing TV
Last Updated: Tue 5 Dec 2023
Defi Du Seuil bids to extend his 100 per cent record over jumps to eight when he makes his eagerly-awaited seasonal reappearance in the Coral Hurdle at Ascot on Saturday.
The four-year-old reigned supreme in the juvenile division last term with a magnificent seven victories
The Philip Hobbs-trained gelding took everything before him with his successes including three Grade One races - the Future Champions Finale Juvenile Hurdle at Chepstow, Cheltenham's JCB Triumph Hurdle and the Doom Bar Anniversary Hurdle at Aintree.
All his wins came over two miles, so he goes into unknown territory by stepping up to an extended two miles and three furlongs, while he is taking on older opponents for the first time.
"It's nice to get him back started. Philip is very happy with him and we're hoping for a good run," said Frank Berry, racing manager to owner JP McManus.
Defi Du Seuil was unbeaten in seven starts last season (PA)
"We'll know more about if the trip was suitable after Saturday, but it shouldn't be a problem. We'll see how it goes.
"We're hoping to a good run and for everything to go well. The ground should be fine."
In contrast, Lil Rockerfeller is going back down in trip after several efforts over three miles that saw him take second place behind Nichols Canyon in the Stayers' Hurdle at Cheltenham.
Neil King's charge attempts to go one better than in this race 12 months ago, when he only found Yanworth too good, and should be all the better for his seasonal reappearance at Wetherby, where he was third in the bet365 Hurdle.
"He's in great order. He worked nicely on Saturday and I'm sure his first run at Wetherby will have just woken him up for the season," said King.
"He was second in the race last year and we're looking forward to going back to Ascot."
L'Ami Serge returns to action for the first time since winning the French Champion Hurdle at Auteuil in June.
"Nicky (Henderson) is pleased with him. The idea is to try out going for the staying hurdles in England and start him off first over two and a half and build up in trip," said Anthony Bromley, racing manager for owners Simon Munir and Isaac Souede.
"He had the option of going to Newbury next Friday and running against Unowhatimeanharry and Thistlecrack, but in the end we thought the shorter distance might be better for his first run.
"We're hopeful of a nice run, but he's got a lot on his plate against Defi Du Seuil.
"We're just pleased to get him out and we'll have to see how he goes."
Wakea makes the journey over from Karl Thornton's stable in Dublin, and Dicosimo has his first run for Lambourn handler Warren Greatrex, having been bought out of Willie Mullins' yard for £28,000 at the Goffs UK Sales in September.
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