ANTE-post punters, particularly those who scrutinise both the formbook and the comments of connections regarding plans, have been well and truly stuffed this week. First there was Defi Du Seuil, an early market mover for Sunday’s Greatwood Hurdle, being described as an intended runner by his owner’s racing manager Frank Berry on Monday.

No sooner had the shrewdies availed themselves of the best prices than a statement came from trainer Philip Hobbs to the effect that Defi Du Seuil would not run, with the Ascot Hurdle deemed a more suitable option. Berry was quoted as saying on Tuesday: “Yesterday I said he was an intended runner and he was, but we’ve looked at everything – the weight and him being a four-year-old – and it looks like Ascot will be better for him.”