bookies.com Champion Hurdle Tips Handicap Hurdle

Kept on steadily following a bad mistake at the second last over this trip in a maiden hurdle at Kilbeggan in August 2016, but pulled up in two subsequent starts, including on his handicap debut at Cartmel (2m6f). Off since October 2016, but worthy of market inspection.

Returned from a lengthy absence at Wetherby last month when finishing ninth of 13 in a conditionals jockeys handicap hurdle (2m) for this rider. Dropped a further 2lb by the handicapper, and now rated just 94, having started off life for this trainer rated 114 back in January 2016. Wears the tongue tie for the first time.

Has shown very little in six starts for this trainer, including in four races as a novice hurdler. Makes his handicap debut from a mark of 94 in the first time cheek-pieces at a realistic level. Given his connections, and a step up in trip, it would be no surprise to see a marked improvement today.

Has paid the price for a pair of hurdles victories (at Catterick, and most recently over this C&D), being raised 18lb by the handicapper. However, this prominent racer is certain to handle conditions well, and holds every chance of notching the hat-trick in this company.

As a four-year-old, very much has age on his side, and is lightly raced over hurdles so far with this race being just his third start in handicap company. A step up to this trip looks certain to prove helpful on the strength of his staying on efforts at Doncaster and Wetherby of late, and he has been surprisingly dropped 2lb since last time.

Successful over this trip from an 8lb lower mark at Ayr in December 2016 (soft), but arguably fortunate to score with the runner up making a crucial error at the last. However, this gelding has finished runner up twice at this track since then; admittedly when in a different parish to Ask Paddy last month.

Formerly with Gary Moore (last won at Plumpton in December 2015), but has shown little in six starts for this yard this season including when a distant third of five in a seller at this track in late January.