Buckler eyes Festival upset (From Dorset Echo)

Buckler eyes Festival upset

8:49am Monday 15th March 2010 in

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BOB Buckler warned punters not to underestimate The Sawyer in the Byrne Group Plate at the Cheltenham Festival this week.

The 10-year-old has been in a rich vein of form this season, winning on successive Saturdays at Ascot and Cheltenham, before running a career-best to finish third to Monet’s Garden in the Grade One Ascot Chase.

He may be off a career-high handicap mark but Buckler believes he will run another big race at the Festival.

“I couldn’t believe it when I looked at the betting for the race and he wasn’t near the top, I thought I’d forgotten to enter him,” said Buckler.

“He hasn’t been talked about anywhere but he likes Cheltenham, he’s got speed, and we are not worried about good ground either.

“Nathan Sweeney will ride him, he takes off a valuable 7lb and he’s got a great tune out of him recently.”

Buckler will also run Irish National winner Niche Market in the William Hill Trophy after his agonising near-miss in the Aon Chase.

“I think if we hadn’t ridden him to beat Denman we would have definitely won,” added Buckler.

“He’s still improving and he’s very well. I think he’ll run a big race, as will Double Dizzy in the Cross Country.

“Double Dizzy is a bit of monkey but ran well over the fences in December, but we could do with Garde Champetre coming out so he can run off his correct weight.

“I don’t think that’s going to happen, though.”