Unibet International Hurdle (Grade 2) (GBB Race)

Off time: 15:00 | Winning time: 4m 2.98s

Sceau Royal¹⁴

Age: 9| Weight: 11-6| J: D A Jacob| T: A King| OR: 158| CD

11/4

Very smart hurdler/chaser who has hit the ground running over the smaller obstacles this term, winning Kempton listed and Grade 2 Elite at Wincanton. Good 1½ lengths third in Fighting Fifth latest.

Form: 153-113

Song For Someone²¹

Age: 6| Weight: 11-6| J: Aidan Coleman| T: T Symonds| OR: 155| CD

3/1

Won this 12 months ago. Lost his way in the spring but firmly back on track after wind surgery when second in Ascot Grade 2 on return 3 weeks ago. Should make a bold bid to defend crown.

Form: 1/112P-2

Ballyadam³⁴

Age: 6| Weight: 11-3| J: Rachael Blackmore| T: H De Bromhead| OR: 148| BF| D

5/1

Smart novice hurdler last season, although he wasn't at best when well-held second in Supreme at Festival in March. Runner-up on completed start over fences this term. Bit to find.

Form: 4224-F2

Wilde About Oscar³⁵

Age: 6| Weight: 11-2| J: Harry Skelton| T: D Skelton| OR: 148| D

20/1

Developed into a smart novice hurdler last term. Faded after travelling well long way on 2½m Aintree return and this drop back in trip may help.

Form: 1P110-6

Guard Your Dreams²¹

Age: 5| Weight: 11-0| J: Sam Twiston-Davies| T: N & W Twiston-Davies| OR: 147| C| D

5/1

From a yard which knows what it takes to win this and he's advanced his form again this term, winning a 2½m course handicap before third (Song For Someone second) in Ascot Grade 2.

Form: 1673-13

Hunters Call³¹

Age: 11| Weight: 11-0| J: S Bowen| T: O Murphy| OR: 145

16/1

Recorded a smart and career-best performance at the age of 11 when readily landing a 19.5f Bangor handicap on his reappearance a month ago. Might be vulnerable to younger legs at this level, though.

Form: 44335-1

Heaven Help Us²⁷

Age: 7| Weight: 10-11| J: Danny Mullins| T: P Hennessy| OR: 150| C

13/2

Smart hurdler who bolted up in Coral Cup at Festival in March. Off 7 months, better than result when sixth in Punchestown listed on return, yet to be asked for effort when mistake 2 out. Down in trip.

Form: 44110-6

Forecasts

Sceau Royal (11/4), Song For Someone (3/1), Guard Your Dreams (5/1), Ballyadam (5/1), Heaven Help Us (13/2), Hunters Call (16/1), Wilde About Oscar (20/1)

SONG FOR SOMEONE probably ran as well as he's ever done when attempting to concede 6 lb to Buzz on his Ascot reappearance so is fancied to repeat last year's success in this. Sceau Royal has very much returned at the top of his game so he's feared most ahead of Guard Your Dreams, who was only just over 2 lengths behind the selection at Ascot.