14:25 Ascot

Saturday 19 December 2020

All12:4013:1513:5014:2515:0015:35

Porsche Long Walk Hurdle (Grade 1) (GBB Race)

Off time: 14:25 | Winning time: 6m 15.93s

Main Fact²⁸

Age: 7| Weight: 11-7| J: Fergus Gillard| T: D Pipe| OR: 154| D

6/1

Seeking a remarkable 10-timer having racked up a hat-trick back on the level before making a winning return to hurdles off a mark of 147 at Haydock at first go at 3m. Must be respected up in class.

Form: 11111-1

Paisley Park²²

Age: 8| Weight: 11-7| J: Aidan Coleman| T: Miss E C Lavelle| OR: 165| CD

9/4

Dominated this division in 2018/19 and won 2 Grade 2s last term. Disappointed in bid to defend World Hurdle but back on track when 1½ lengths second to Thyme Hill at Newbury on return. Obvious claims.

Form: 11/117-2

Portrush Ted^t¹⁵

Age: 8| Weight: 11-7| J: G Sheehan| T: W Greatrex| OR: 144| D

28/1

Smart bumper performer who is unbeaten when completing over hurdles, winning off a mark of 139 at Sandown on return 2 weeks ago. Set a tall order here, however.

Form: 211/1F-1

The Worlds End⁶³

Age: 9| Weight: 11-7| J: Jonjo O'Neill Jr.| T: O Murphy| OR: 155| CD

40/1

Made all in West Yorkshire Hurdle at Wetherby and this race last season but this is a much stronger renewal and pulled up last 2 starts, including on return. Has left Tom George.

Form: 9/131P-P

Third Wind²⁸

Age: 6| Weight: 11-7| J: T J O'Brien| T: H Morrison| OR: 144| BF

22/1

EBF Final winner as a novice and continued his progress upped in trip last season, placed in Pertemps. Built on encouraging return when good second to Main Fact at Haydock. More needed again, though.

Form: 1/714-52

Thyme Hill²²

Age: 6| Weight: 11-7| J: R Johnson| T: P Hobbs & J White| OR: 160| D

7/5

Excellent debut season over hurdles, winning first 3 starts before good fourth in Albert Bartlett. Took another step forward when beating Paisley Park at Newbury on return. Sure to go close.

Form: 3/1114-1

Younevercall^p,t⁴⁰

Age: 9| Weight: 11-7| J: David Bass| T: K Bailey & M Nicholls| OR: 156

33/1

Smart hurdler who looked as good as ever after wind op/16 months off when just edged out off a mark of 154 at Kempton 6 weeks ago. Worth another shot at this level.

Form: 72181/2

Roksana⁴⁹

Age: 8| Weight: 11-0| J: Harry Skelton| T: D Skelton| OR: 153| D

11/2

Smart and likeable mare who put up another good effort when fourth in the Mares' Hurdle at Cheltenham. As good as ever when making a winning return in Grade 2 at Wetherby and remains unexposed at 3m.

Form: 2/2524-1

Non-Runners

The Jam Man²⁸

Weight: 11-7| Age: 7

T: R McNally J: Non Runner

Thistlecrack³⁸⁶

Weight: 11-7| Age: 12

T: C L Tizzard J: T Scudamore

Forecasts

Thyme Hill (7/5), Paisley Park (9/4), Roksana (11/2), Main Fact (6/1), Third Wind (22/1), The Jam Man (25/1), Thistlecrack (25/1), Portrush Ted (28/1), Younevercall (33/1), The Worlds End (40/1)

PAISLEY PARK and Thyme Hill are the market leaders for the World Hurdle after they fought out the finish in the Long Distance Hurdle at Newbury 3 weeks ago and the former is taken to come out on top this time now they are racing off level terms. Main Fact has compiled a truly remarkable record and shouldn't be underestimated going up in class for all his rider is unable to use his claim.