BettingChoice Writers Back Monte Cinto in the Ladbrokes Hurdle

The Paul Nicholls stable is firing on all cylinders at present - you would not want to bet against the stable cat picking up a race over timber shortly - and it's hard to get away from MONTE CINTO in Saturday's Ladbroke Hurdle at Sandown (3.10).The five-year-old was most impressive when winning the William Hill Hurdle over course and distance last time and the word from the stable is that he is still improving, suggesting that an 11lb rise in the weights may not prevent him from completing a four-timer.The manner of Monte Cinto's victory in that valuable heat was most impressive. Quickening stylishly off a strong pace on rain-softened ground, he beat more experienced rivals with a bit left up his sleeve. Although the winning margin was just a length at the line, Monte Cinto was good value for it, as he is the type of horse that needs to be produced late and who does not do an awful lot once in front.This horse is testament to the excellent training methods of Paul Nicholls, who was patient, allowing him time to acclimatise after disappointing on his first few starts for the stable last year. But, like the horse that joined the Nicholls camp from France at the same time, Great Travel, Monte Cinto has proved a revelation this season, and is likely to establish himself at an even higher level than this in time.He has progressed on each of his three starts since returning from a break in the summer, all of which he has won, and it's hard to see any real chinks in his armour that his rivals will be able to exploit.Winsley, who chased home Monte Cinto in the William Hill Hurdle, could well hit the frame again, but is unlikely to reverse the placings with just a 3lb pull.A bigger threat is posed by Rob Leach, winner of the William Hill Hurdle over course and distance in 2001. He overcame a 752-day absence to run out an easy winner, albeit of a lowly seller, at Fontwell last month. He will need to step up markedly on that bare form here, but the Gary Moore-trained gelding had proved himself at this level before suffering from leg problems and, if he were back to his best, a bold show would not surprise.Novices have won the last two renewals of this race so Escompteur, who hails from the Martin Pipe stable, is not to be dismissed lightly. The David Johnson-owned trailblazer was well on his way to completing a hat trick before falling at the penultimate flight at Exeter last time and is clearly a talented sort. However, his hurdling technique has been sketchy on all three of his UK starts - tending to jump to the left which will be particularly disadvantageous on this right-handed track - and he will be vulnerable to a slick hurdler with a turn-of-foot like Monte Cinto.Albuhera, King Revo and Idole First all command respect and are capable of going close if on song, but Monte Cinto is confidently predicted to come out on top.