P'tit Fute defies weight rise in Pertemps A rise of 8lb in the weights due to the morning withdrawl of Heavenly Blues (coughing) proved no barrier to P'tit Fute in the Pertemps Handicap Hurdle (Qualifier). Mark Walsh's mount was left with top-weight of 11st7lb but he arrived full of running in the straight, heading the gambled-on Kasimali (9/2) on the run-in to score by two and a half lengths. Winning trainer Francis Flood confirmed afterwards that the gelding will be heading to Cheltenham in March saying, 'He's qualified for the Pertemps and will also be entered for the 2m5f handicap (Coral Cup).' He added, 'They went a good gallop and Mark settled him nicely. He won a bit snug in the end. The ground was quite chopped up on the inside so he kept him a bit wide.'
