Ladbrokes Christmas Hurdle (Grade 1) (GBB Race)

Off time: 14:25 | Winning time: 3m 47.3s

Ballyandy¹⁴

Age: 9| Weight: 11-7| J: Sam Twiston-Davies| T: N & W Twiston-Davies| OR: 157| D

16/1

Tremendously consistent hurdler who has been in fine form this term, running excellent races in defeat to finish placed in Welsh Champion, Greatwood, and International Hurdle. Third in this last year.

Form: 318-223

Diego Du Charmil^p1,t⁴⁹

Age: 8| Weight: 11-7| J: H Cobden| T: P F Nicholls| OR: 148| D

50/1

Largely campaigned over fences in recent years but finished runner-up in the Kingwell Hurdle over this C&D in February. Not in top form on either start this term and he's right up against it.

Form: 5/122-33

Silver Streak¹⁴

Age: 7| Weight: 11-7| J: Adam Wedge| T: Evan Williams| OR: 158| CD

13/2

Placed in the 2019 Champion Hurdle and runner-up to Epatante in this race 12 months ago. Looked as good as ever when winning a listed race here on return and unlucky not to land International Hurdle.

Form: 326-1C2

Epatante²⁸

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

1/5

High-class hurdler with a sharp turn of foot, running out a decisive winner of this race a year ago prior to Champion Hurdle glory. Fighting Fifth triumph confirms she's the standard bearer.

Form: 19/111-1

Floressa²⁸

Age: 5| Weight: 11-0| J: J McGrath| T: N J Henderson| OR: 144| D

22/1

Followed in the footsteps of stablemate Epatante by winning the Gerry Feilden on her return having failed to meet expectations in the Mares' Novices' Hurdle at Cheltenham. Lot went her way that day.

Form: 12129-1

Forecasts

Epatante (1/5), Silver Streak (13/2), Ballyandy (16/1), Floressa (22/1), Diego Du Charmil (50/1)

Top-class mare EPATANTE used this race as a successful stepping stone to Champion Hurdle glory last season and more of the same is very likely following a highly-polished display in the Fighting Fifth on reappearance. Silver Streak and Ballyandy chased home the selection 12 months ago and that scenario is envisaged again.