New One Unibet Hurdle (Registered As The Champion Hurdle Trial Hurdle) (Grade 2)

Off time: 15:15 | Winning time: 3m 54.80s

Cornerstone Lad⁴⁹

Age: 6| Weight: 11-10| J: Henry Brooke| T: Micky Hammond| OR: 159| CD

11/2

Mudlark who had been winning handicap hurdles in the north before causing one of the greatest shocks in jumps history when beating Buveur D'Air in Grade 1 Fighting Fifth Hurdle (2m) last time. Enters calculations in this.

Form: 2131-11

Darasso³⁰⁶

Age: 7| Weight: 11-8| J: Aidan Coleman| T: J P O'Brien| OR: 153| D

9/4

Had only the four starts in Ireland but improved with each run. Winner of Grade 3 Red Mills Trial Hurdle (2m) before landing Grade 2 chase at Navan (2m) when last seen in March. Returns from a break but can't be discounted.

Form: 16/2511-

Pentland Hills³⁵

Age: 5| Weight: 11-7| J: N de Boinville| T: N J Henderson| OR: 153| D

2/1

Topped the crop of juveniles last season of Triumph Hurdle (2m1f) and Aintree Grade 1 (2m1f) victories. Inauspicious run when tank emptied quickly in Grade 2 International Hurdle on comeback. Leading claims on previous form though.

Form: 111-5

Ballyandy²³

Age: 9| Weight: 11-4| J: Sam Twiston-Davies| T: N & W Twiston-Davies| OR: 155| D

5/2

Deserves more credit than he is getting for recent efforts, beating Pentland Hills when second in International Hurdle (2m1f) before third in Grade 1 Christmas Hurdle (2m) on Boxing Day. May need more to win but place claims.

Form: 33-6423

Forecasts

Pentland Hills (2/1), Darasso (9/4), Ballyandy (5/2), Cornerstone Lad (11/2)

A microcosm of the race it is a trial for with no standout contender in the field, it may be worth taking a chance on Irish raider DARASSO. An easy winner of a Grade 3 hurdle last season, he may have some niggles but is highly thought of by his trainer and should find the ground no hinderance. Pentland Hills sets the form standard and would be strongly fancied for the Champion Hurdle if he was to win convincingly, however his tame finish last time is concerning. While Cornerstone Lad now suffers a Grade 1 penalty but is sure to set the pace while Ballyandy has been holding his form well at this level and trip throughout the season and is set for another solid placed effort.