Timeform reveal their top-rated, highlight the most interesting improver, comment on a horse with two a course-specialist flag and come up with a verdict for the Betfair Hurdle.
The top-rated
Buzz (Timeform weight-adjusted rating 162p)
Buzz was a useful middle-distance performer on the Flat for Hughie Morrison and notably landed the valuable Dubai Duty Free Handicap at Newbury in 2018. He took well to hurdling after joining Nicky Henderson last season, winning on a couple of occasions, but he has significantly raised his game this term. He returned with a promising third in the Welsh Champion Hurdle at Ffos Las and built on that when running out a stylish winner at Ascot on his next outing. Buzz returned to Ascot for the valuable Betfair Exchange Trophy in December and ran a cracker to finish runner-up, catching the eye with how strongly he travelled. That was Buzz's best effort yet on Timeform ratings, continuing a theme of gradual progress, and he still looks well treated off a 4 lb higher mark, particularly as promising conditional Kevin Brogan takes off a valuable 5 lb.
The improver
Fifty Ball (159p)
Six of the 24 runners in the Betfair Hurdle have the Timeform 'p' attached to their rating, a symbol that denotes improvement is expected. One such improver is Fifty Ball, who arrives here on the back of wins on his only two starts in handicap company. Fifty Ball had to work hard to score at Ascot but faced a much more straightforward task at Sandown, breezing 13 lengths clear of his rivals in a race that fell apart. It's still worth viewing Fifty Ball's performance positively as he moved through that race like a horse well ahead of his mark and one capable of cutting it at a higher level. This will provide a much sterner examination of his credentials, but he is lightly raced and could still be a step ahead of the handicapper, despite being hit with an 11 lb rise. Being well handicapped is more significant than having big-field experience – novices have won seven of the last ten runnings of the Betfair Hurdle.
The Timeform Flag
Shakem Up'Arry (Horses For Courses)
Shakem Up'Arry had to settle for second on both starts over this course and distance last season, but he produced a couple of good efforts in defeat, demonstrating his effectiveness under these conditions. His suitability to this galloping track is denoted by the Horses For Courses Flag. Shakem Up'Arry was runner-up to the reopposing Mister Coffey on his first outing at Newbury and then ran about as well as could have been expected when chasing home the top-class Shishkin at a respectable distance on his next attempt. Shakem Up'Arry doesn't look as well handicapped as some of these rivals, though he arrives on the back of a creditable effort behind Metier in the Grade 1 Tolworth Hurdle so should give another good account.
The Verdict
The Betfair Hurdle is always a fascinating and competitive affair, featuring a host of progressive hurdlers. This year's contest is no different and plenty can be given a chance, but the upwardly-mobile Buzz earns the vote having shaped well when runner-up in another competitive affair last time. The stylish way he moved through the Betfair Exchange Trophy suggested there could be better to come.
Timeform's weight-adjusted ratings:
162p Buzz
161p Mister Coffey
160p Milkwood
160 Edwardstone
159p Fifty Ball
159p Annual Invictus