Betfred 'Supports Jack Berry House' Contenders Hurdle (Listed)

Off time: 13:50 | Winning time: 4m 14.1s

Buveur D'Air³⁹

Age: 7| Weight: 11-6| J: B J Geraghty| T: N J Henderson| OR: 169| CD

1/16

Reigning Champion Hurdler has looked imperious in winning the Fighting Fifth Hurdle at Newcastle and Kempton's Christmas Hurdle so far this term. Barring an accident he's likely to complete his Cheltenham preparation without coming off the bridle.

Form: 1111-11

John Constable^t⁴⁹

Age: 7| Weight: 11-4| J: L P Aspell| T: Evan Williams| OR: 156| D

10/1

Fair handicapper who took form to a new level in 2017, winning Grade 3 Swinton Handicap at Haydock in May and following up in Listed Summer Handicap at Market Rasen in July over similar trips to this one. Likely to take second spot in this.

Form: 00F-116

Cap'n^t⁸

Age: 7| Weight: 11-0| J: Brendan Powell| T: Miss C Dyson

100/1

Sent off a 100/1 chance in a novice contest at Huntingdon (2m, soft) eight days ago, he was in trouble a long way from home on his hurdling debut. Here to take in some scenery and avoid getting in the way.

Form: 0

Forecasts

Buveur D'Air (1/16), John Constable (10/1), Cap'n (100/1)

BUVEUR D'AIR won this contest hard held a year ago en route to eventual Champion Hurdle glory at the Cheltenham Festival. He was reverting back to hurdling from a novice chasing campaign then and had some minor questions to answer but this time there are no doubts. He's landed back-to-back Grade One wins already this season with a minimum of fuss and ought to flatten these two rivals with disdain whilst not coming out of second gear. John Constable improved no end in 2017 over timber and should have few problems in taking second spot ahead of Cap'N. A heavy defeat at Huntingdon in a novice event just a week ago was his introduction to hurdling and only a racing miracle can see him home ahead of this pair assuming they all stand up.