Paisley Park remains on course for Stayers’ Hurdle

Defending champion Paisley Park remains on course to run in next week's Stayers' Hurdle after being left in at the declaration stage.

Emma Lavelle’s stable star is widely regarded as one of the bankers to win at next week’s Cheltenham Festival, with the eight-year-old having already tasted glory in the Stayers’ at Prestbury Park 12 months ago.

The Andrew Gemmell-owned gelding is unbeaten on his last seven starts, although his stiffest competition could come from the yard of Willie Mullins, who has left three contenders in the race, 2018 Stayers’ hero Penhill, Bacardys and the highly-rated Benie Des Dieux.

There are no guarantees the latter will run in Thursday’s race, however, as she is expected to instead go for a second triumph in Tuesday’s Mares’ Hurdle.

Gordon Elliott’s Apple’s Jade also looks set to feature on what could be her swansong, while City Island and Ronald Pump could also emerge as contenders for trainers Martin Brassil and Matthew Smith respectively.

Tom George is expected to be two-handed in the race with Summerville Boy and The Worlds End remaining in contention, while some of the other 18 contenders include Warren Greatrex’s Emitom, Nicky Henderson’s L’Ami Serge and West Approach from Colin Tizzard’s yard.

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