Betfair Hurdle: Runner by Runner Preview

Betfair Hurdle (Handicap) (Grade 3) 4yo plus, 2m 110y, Class 1

Act Of Kalanisi (IRE)

8

Unseated last time out following a couple of wins in a lower grade.

Alaivan (IRE)

8

Showing signs of a revival and well-handicapped on his best form. On the downside, no horse older than six-years has won since 2004.

Cheltenian (FR)

8

Absent for an extended period before bolting up in a maiden hurdle at Uttoxeter in late December. He has always been highly regarded and could be thrown in at the weights. Short on experience.

Chris Pea Green

5

Useful handicapper on his day and enjoys heavy ground. Best form would give him a shout.

Deep Trouble (IRE)

7

Improving handicap hurdler but a steadily increasing handicap mark needs to be overcome.

Dell’ Arca (IRE)

5

Won the Greatwood Hurdle on his first start in the UK. Still in with a serious chance at Ascot when stumbling over a fallen horse and unseating his pilot. Form of that race looks solid in terms of this event. Looks on an attractive handicap mark.

Far West (FR)

5

Good chance on seasonal reappearance run and well-handicapped on that performance.

First Avenue

9

Plenty to prove in this company.

Get Me Out Of Here (IRE)

10

Won this race in 2010 off a 13lb lower mark. Getting on in years but showed a bit more of his old self on his last run.

Gibb River (IRE)

8

Profile suggests he is at his very best going right-handed over further.

Irish Saint (FR)

5

Bolted up at Ascot and 7lb well in compared to future races. Thought to need further while form of the Ascot race displays placed horses running below their best. Loves soft/heavy ground.

Irving

6

Unbeaten in three novice hurdles; all on right-handed tracks. Three of the last four renewals have been won by novice hurdlers. They were officially rated 135, 134, and 149. Irving resides on a mark of 143.

Jumps Road

7

Returns to handicap company and not without a chance. Last three wins have come at right-handed Wincanton.

Kashmir Peak (IRE)

5

Lightly raced over hurdle, this fellow had a warm-up at Wolverhampton on February 3rd. Best form gives him a shout but disappointing on last two hurdle starts.

Leo Luna

5

Disappointing last October and not seen since.

Melodic Rendezvous

8

Back to his best when defeating P’Tit Zig at Haydock Park. Top weight but FSF ratings give him a similar chance to Irish Saint.

Montbazon (FR)

7

Returns after an enforced absence. Considered well-handicapped by connections, it would be an incredible effort to go close, in such a competitive race, off such a long break.

Poet

9

Recent form suggests he is not the force of old.

Prompter

7

Talented but quirky. Usually runs in lower grade races.

Recession Proof (FR)

8

Won the race on 2011 off the same mark he runs off here. Something to prove on recent form.

Rolling Star (FR)

5

Highly regarded horse that has not always shown the talent he displays at home. Reported to be in tremendous form at Seven Barrows. Handicapped up to the best he has produced on the racecourse.

Sky Khan

5

Looks out oh his depth on all know form.

Smashing (FR)

5

Dual winner in Ireland since his arrival from France. 13lb higher than his French handicap mark though RPR’s suggest he has improved around 15lb.

Snake Eyes (IRE)

6

Ran a highly encouraging race in the Boylesports Hurdle to finish sixth. One to keep an eye on in the market.

Splash of Ginge

6

Disappointed behind Deputy Dan at Warwick; may have been found out by the trip. Ascot form with Irving suggests he could run well at the revised weights.

Swing Bowler

7

Third in the race last season off a 2lb lower mark. Seasonal return but goes well fresh and handles soft ground.

Totalize

5

Steadily improving hurdler that would be of interest if the market speaks in his favour.

Vasco Du Ronceray (FR)

5

Seasonal return for this promising horse. 2013 Adonis Hurdle form with Irish Saint, suggests he has a good chance of reversing placings, if at his best.

Vendor

6

Has a good record at Newbury and returned in late November to bolt up, in what looked a competitive race. If he is able to show his best form from March/April 2012, his handicap mark leaves him highly competitive. Handles soft/heavy ground.