Frank Hickey ...
On first viewing Oxford Blu wouldn’t look like a type to win the Fred Winter Juvenile Handicap Hurdle because there’s far more sexier options in the race, such as Act Of Valour and Mitchouka.
However, Oxford Blu was a tough, staying handicapper on the flat. He was only rated 68, which would have been well below the favourites here. But, he was a very impressive winner on his hurdles debut and he had excuses for being beaten on his next two runs.
He’s very well handicapped here for me, he’ll love a really strong pace and will embrace a stiff finish, that’s where Oxford Blu will be at his best. Good ground will be a bonus for him also.
His trainer Olly Murphy is having a tremendous season, with an unbelievable tally of over 50 winners in his first season and I wouldn’t be surprised if Oxford Blu gave him his first Cheltenham winner either.
He’s a very big price at 20/1, he’ll more than likely have Richard Johnson on board and looks all out a decent each-way chance so I’m on him