THE PRICEWISE VERDICT TOM SEGAL

FLOORING PORTER

is probably the most underrated hurdler in training. He has won two Stayers’ Hurdles easily and on both occasions there have been excuses for some of his rivals – and he has supposedly enjoyed the run of the race, too.

While that is partly the case, Flooring Porter has looked a class above the opposition and it doesn’t look like the 3m hurdlers are going to be any stronger this year that last.

Thyme Hill is going chasing, Paisley Park and Champ will be turning 11 in the new year, while Klassical Dream needs to settle better to fulfil his potential.

The flies in the ointment are French Champion Hurdle winner Hermes Baie ,who thrashed Klassical Dream at

Auteuil, and Albert Bartlett winner The Nice Guy, although the latter is said to be going over fences.