Betfair Fighting Fifth Hurdle (Grade 1)

Off time: 14:05 | Winning time: 3m 50.79s

Not So Sleepy⁴⁹

Age: 8| Weight: 11-7| J: P J Brennan| T: H Morrison| OR: 142| D

22/1

Won a couple of good 2m Ascot handicap hurdles this time last year and back in this sphere after a fine fourth (for the second season running) in the Cesarewitch. Could get plenty of rope in front.

Form: 15/110P-

Ribble Valley^t³⁷

Age: 7| Weight: 11-7| J: B S Hughes| T: N G Richards| OR: 147| D

16/1

Progressive hurdler who returned with easy win in intermediate contest at Carlisle (extended 17f) after breathing op. First crack at the top level but no back number if he can improve again.

Form: 61/112-1

Sceau Royal²¹

Age: 8| Weight: 11-7| J: D A Jacob| T: A King| OR: 158| D

3/1

Back over hurdles with a bang this term after a wind op, winning the Welsh Champion Handicap and Elite Hurdle, readily coming clear at Wincanton. The obvious forecast option.

Form: 6325-11

Silver Streak⁴¹

Age: 7| Weight: 11-7| J: T J O'Brien| T: Evan Williams| OR: 158| D

6/1

Left with too much to do in this last year before running well behind Epatante in Christmas Hurdle and maintained fine record fresh with victory back at Kempton 6 weeks ago. This is tougher.

Form: 5/1326-1

Voix Du Reve^p1³⁴

Age: 8| Weight: 11-7| J: C O'Farrell| T: I Jardine| OR: 145| D

200/1

Smart chaser at his best for Willie Mullins and showed plenty of zest on comeback for new yard in Aintree handicap hurdle last month. This is clearly much tougher. Cheekpieces go on.

Form: 45436-0

Epatante²⁶³

Age: 6| Weight: 11-0| J: Aidan Coleman| T: N J Henderson| OR: 162| D

8/11

Has won 5 of her 6 starts over timber for yard, readily landing a gamble in the Champion Hurdle when last seen. Brilliant and she hasn't reached her limit yet. Hard to beat.

Form: 119/111-

Non-Runners

Cornerstone Lad²⁵

Weight: 11-7| Age: 6

T: Micky Hammond J: Billy Garritty

Forecasts

Epatante (8/11), Sceau Royal (3/1), Silver Streak (6/1), Cornerstone Lad (12/1), Ribble Valley (16/1), Not So Sleepy (22/1), Voix Du Reve (200/1)

Champion Hurdle heroine EPATANTE should be hard to beat after a gallop at Newbury last week. The race-fit and in-form Sceau Royal is the obvious one to take advantage should Nicky Henderson's brilliant mare not be on her game. The unexposed Ribble Valley is an interesting outsider.