Racing: Don't forget Flown

CAMPAIGNERS against global warming might be advised to steer clear of Nick Henderson's yard, at least until the Cheltenham Festival is over. Henderson has in his care a potential Champion Hurdler - but only if the ground is riding fast, writes Greg Wood.

The choosy creature in question is Flown, who beat Halkopous with surprisingly little effort in the Supreme Novices' Hurdle at Cheltenham last year. That, though, was the last time he had his preferred going and, as a result, both punters and bookmakers seem to have overlooked the merit of that form. Flown can be backed at 14-1 for the Champion - almost twice the price of Halkopous - but anyone thinking of backing him should not leave it later than Thursday morning.

On Thursday afternoon, Flown should jog our memories by winning the Kingwell Pattern Hurdle at Wincanton, the last worthwhile Cheltenham trial.

Flown's likely absence from the National Spirit Trophy Hurdle at Fontwell tomorrow will at least produce a competitive race. He is rated 25lb ahead of the other entries, with Dancing Paddy (3.00) the probable beneficiary.

In the following race, Toby Balding's talented but accident- prone chaser Boraceva can start winning again, while the same trainer's Cool Ground should score at Wincanton on Thursday.

The Grand National rather than the Festival will be on punters' minds at Haydock on Saturday when last year's Aintree victor Party Politics looks set to come back to his best.

Nevada Gold (2.30) can follow up a recent success at Huntingdon tomorrow, while Chadwick's Ginger may return to form at Doncaster (2.45) the next day.