To Have And To Hire Events Handicap Hurdle

Lightly raced since winning over fences at Market Rasen a couple of seasons ago; his recent efforts have been a little below his best and, given that jockey booking suggest he is behind Royal Etiquette in his stable's pecking order, he may face too stern a test on this occasion.

Very difficult to pinpoint an angle for supporting the gelding after two poor performances of late. His losing streak stretches back a long way and it is hard to envisage that will change today.

A dual winner at this course in the past, this fellow has dropped to a handy mark and has little to find to get competitive in the lowly company. The betting will no doubt highlight any confidence in his connections thought process for him to sneak into a place in the frame.

Unexposed under this code of racing but is very hard to fancy, as he comes into this on the back of two very poor efforts.

Quickly left Paul Nicholls after posting one poor effort over hurdles. There was little to suggest the switch to his new yard has rekindled his enthusiasm when he was last seen out, so cannot be recommended with any confidence just now.

A lot to like about his two recent near misses and is in the minority as a contender who arrives here in good form. Disconcerting that he has never won over hurdles but he will rarely be presented with a better opportunity.

A lot of water has passed under the bridge since his winning days in Ireland but it has taken the handicapper a long time to react in dropping him to an attractive mark. However, even the application of a hood failed to re-boot him last time out; and he looks opposable even from a 5lb lower mark.

Races from 8lb out of the weights and, combined with the rider's 7lb claim, carries a featherweight today. Her connections may have enjoyed their day out at Kempton during the Festive Season, but the fact she finished 92L adrift of his nearest rival in Christmas Hurdle tells its own story about this mare being a betting proposition. (It's worth noting that not only is she 8lb wrong at the weighs, but the handicapper officially rates her 39lb inferior to the topweight before even contemplating a speculative bet.)