Stella Artois National Spirit Hurdle (Grade 2)

Off time: 15:20 | Winning time: 5m 5.5s

Quel Destin²²

Age: 5| Weight: 11-7| J: Sam Twiston-Davies| T: P F Nicholls| OR: 156

11/4

Yard has won this good race three times in last 10 renewals. Stayed on well in heavy ground last time to win Listed event at Sandown but has yet to prove he stays this trip. Solid chance if he see out the extra three furlongs.

Form: 15-1851

Thomas Darby³⁶

Age: 7| Weight: 11-7| J: Aidan Coleman| T: O Murphy| OR: 158| D

5/4

Second in last season's Supreme Novices' Hurdle. Didn't shine in two starts over fences this term but back on song winning quality Ascot 2m3f h'cap hurdle in good style last time. Repeat effort would take him very close.

Form: 312-231

William Henry^p²⁹

Age: 10| Weight: 11-7| J: N de Boinville| T: N J Henderson| OR: 156

5/1

Stays well and won last season's 2m5f Coral Cup H'cap Hurdle at Cheltenham Festival. Outclassed in hot 3m company last time having run well previous outing following wind surgery so no reason why he shouldn't be right on the premises this time.

Form: 4/P14-38

Chesterfield⁵⁸

Age: 10| Weight: 11-3| J: Daniel Sansom| T: J W Mullins| OR: 143

40/1

First run over timber since second in Swinton Hurdle in 2018. Been running well without gaining much reward over fences this term and interesting to see how he fares back over the smaller obstacles. Best form on decent ground.

Form: 231-236

Monsieur Lecoq²²

Age: 6| Weight: 11-3| J: Lizzie Kelly| T: Mrs J Williams| OR: 150

4/1

Stepping up in trip having been outpaced in Grade 1 over 2m in Ireland last time. Useful performer on his day and had prevously been fine second on heavy ground in valuable Ascot 2m h'cap hurdle in December. Chance on official figures if he stays.

Form: 0-13427

Forecasts

Thomas Darby (5/4), Quel Destin (11/4), Monsieur Lecoq (4/1), William Henry (5/1), Chesterfield (40/1)

A fine renewal of this quality event with little to choose between most of the field. MONSIEUR LECOQ is taken to cause a minor surprise with the step up in trip expected to suit. If he brings his 'A' game here he may prove good enough. Classy Quel Destin won wel last time and is a big danger as he's still on an upward curve, while if they go a genuine gallop the two proven stayers, Thomas Derby and William Henry will rely on their stamina to bring them home up the uphill finish. Both are more than capable of winning if things drop thier way. Chesterfield reverts to hurdles from fences but will do very well to regain the winning thread in this company.