TODAY’S Huntingdon card has been hit by the atrocious weather. About 35mm of rain fell overnight turning the ground soft and heavy in places. The star attraction, PRESENT VIEW, has been pulled out of the 2m 4f novices hurdle that was intended as his prep race for the Paddy Power Gold Cup.

PRESENT VIEW did me a very good turn at the Cheltenham Festival. Some say he was lucky to keep the race but his victory in the Rewards4Racing Novices’ Handicap Chase meant I left the course on Tuesday in clover. He is more effective on decent ground and today’s conditions would not have suited. It leaves the door open for the interesting ORDO AB CHAO who is making his hurdling debut for Alan King. He dotted up in a bumper in soft ground at the course before running a blinder at Aintree. He could be one of his trainer’s brightest novices this season and today’s conditions should suit him.

Until the rain came, I was very keen on According To Trev in the 4.50. He lost his way a little for Nigel Twiston Davies last season after a promising start over fences. A 143-rated hurdler, he is now with David Bridgwater and was due to make his first start today. But he has been pulled out due to the wet ground. He has been dropped in the ratings and starts the season on a decent mark (128) so look out for Trev when he does reappear on good ground.

The concluding bumper could be informative. El Namoose and Solstice Star have been highly tried but the one that catches the eye is KILGEEL HILL of whom there have been good reports from Oliver Sherwood’s yard.