Unibet Elite Hurdle (Grade 2)

Off time: 15:00 | Winning time: 3m 31.75s

Redicean¹⁴

Age: 4| Weight: 11-3| J: Wayne Hutchinson| T: A King| OR: 149

9/1

Won his first three starts over hurdles in impressive fashion with an exciting turn of foot. Struggled in the Triumph at the Festival and could never get on terms with a runaway winner on return to action at Cheltenham. No back number here.

Form: 1116-2

We Have A Dream²¹²

Age: 4| Weight: 11-3| J: D A Jacob| T: N J Henderson| OR: 156

7/4

Won all five starts since joining this stable including a couple of Grade 1's. Finished last year with a scintillating display at Aintree in the Doom Bar Anniversary Hurdle. Major scope for improvement this year and big player.

Form: 411111-

Air Horse One²¹²

Age: 7| Weight: 11-0| J: Kieron Edgar| T: H Fry| OR: 147

33/1

Generally found life pretty tough last season in handicaps off marks in the 140's. Placed on a couple of occasions but looks vulnerable as far as win purposes go on these terms and may struggle.

Form: 43023P-

If The Cap Fits³¹⁹

Age: 6| Weight: 11-0| J: N D Fehily| T: H Fry| OR: 147

5/2

Sole defeat in six career starts came in the Grade 2 Aintree bumper. Won all three starts over hurdles last season and looks to be potentially top class. Returns from over 10 months off but a huge player if fit and raring to go.

Form: 114/111-

John Constable^t⁴²

Age: 7| Weight: 11-0| J: R Johnson| T: Evan Williams| OR: 150

50/1

Fair performer on his day but after a couple of disappointing efforts over fences he bombed out in a Listed event back over hurdles at Market Rasen last time. That form is a long way behind what is required here.

Form: 29-7530

Verdana Blue²⁰

Age: 6| Weight: 10-11| J: J McGrath| T: N J Henderson| OR: 146

5/2

Won a big handicap at Ascot last November and travelled well for a long way in the Betfair Hurdle in horrid ground in February. Returned with comfortable flat success and decisive Listed win at Kempton. Gets weight off main rivals and very exciting.

Form: 51300-1

Smaoineamh Alainn^h²⁰

Age: 6| Weight: 10-7| J: James Best| T: R Walford| OR: 135| CD

40/1

Pulled-up in the County Hurdle at the Cheltenham Festival in the spring. Well held behind Verdana Blue on return to action at Kempton last month and has a lot of work to do to reverse that form.

Form: 21/11P-3

Forecasts

We Have A Dream (7/4), Verdana Blue (5/2), If The Cap Fits (5/2), Redicean (9/1), Air Horse One (33/1), Smaoineamh Alainn (40/1), John Constable (50/1)

A fascinating renewal with untapped potential on show. Nicky Henderson clearly holds a very strong hand with both Verdana Blue who looks to be on her way to the top after a bloodless success on her return and WE HAVE A DREAM. Preference is for the last-named who comes here fresh having had a wonderful juvenile campaign that finished with a comfortable success in the Doom Bar at Aintree. He has so much potential in this sphere and looks Champion Hurdle material. If The Cap Fits is unbeaten over hurdles and also comes here with plenty more to give. I very much doubt we have seen the best of Redicean and he completes the short-list in a super contest.