14:45 Wetherby

Sunday 26 December 2021

All11:5212:2713:0013:3514:1014:4515:20

William Hill Best Odds Guaranteed Handicap Hurdle

Off time: 14:45 | Winning time: 5m 51.82s

Severance^h⁴³

Age: 5| Weight: 11-12| J: Kielan Woods| T: B Pauling| OR: 125

9/1

Useful on Flat and made an impressive winning debut over hurdles in 17f Carlisle maiden 13 months ago. Not matched that form since, too free on return/handicap debut at Cheltenham last month.

Form: 153-9

Unexpected Party⁴³

Age: 6| Weight: 11-11| J: Harry Skelton| T: D Skelton| OR: 124| BF| CD

8/13

Made a mockery of his opening mark when landing a C&D novices' handicap in October and improved again when runner-up to Gowel Road at Cheltenham (21f) subsequently. Has to be high on shortlist again.

Form: 2-412

Ask Paddington^h¹⁶

Age: 7| Weight: 11-10| J: Nathan Moscrop⁽³⁾| T: R Menzies| OR: 123| D

25/1

Useful handicap hurdler for Tristan Davidson, winning twice last season. Not a great deal to shout about in trio of starts for present stable, weakening 1f out when sixth of 14 at Doncaster latest.

Form: 254P76

Into Overdrive⁵⁰

Age: 6| Weight: 11-7| J: Jamie Hamilton| T: M Walford| OR: 120

14/1

Ex-pointer who was seen to good effect when landing a Carlisle novice hurdle (19.3f) in March. Still, entitled to sharpen up for last month's return/handicap bow at Kelso and his mark has eased.

Form: 2/441-5

The Brimming Water²⁵

Age: 6| Weight: 11-7| J: Sam Twiston-Davies| T: S Drinkwater| OR: 120

8/1

Fair form when landing a Fairyhouse maiden (18.8f) back in March and not disgraced either start for new stable, albeit his mark looking on the high side on balance. However, still early days.

Form: 8/P01-25

Silva Eclipse^p⁸

Age: 8| Weight: 11-7| J: Ryan Mania| T: J Parkinson & S Smith| OR: 120

28/1

Fairly useful hurdler/chaser at his best but not built on his return effort in latter sphere in 2 subsequent starts, pulled up in Tommy Whittle 8 days ago. Return to timber needs to perk him up.

Form: 415-57P

Perfect Man^t¹⁴

Age: 10| Weight: 11-4| J: Jack Hogan⁽⁷⁾| T: Micky Hammond| OR: 117| D

28/1

Landed a Leicester seller for Olly Murphy 12 months ago but winless for Sophie Leech and exploits more miss than hit for present stable. On the flipside, the assessor continues to relinquish his grip.

Form: P-37667

The Delray Munky^p²⁰

Age: 9| Weight: 11-2| J: C O'Farrell| T: I Jardine| OR: 115

40/1

Opened chase account at Kelso (23.4f) 12 months ago but failed to complete next 2 starts in that sphere. Possible she'll come on for her return in this sphere 3 weeks ago and market may guide.

Form: 431RP-6

Fly Smart²⁶¹

Age: 6| Weight: 11-2| J: Charlie Deutsch| T: Miss V Williams| OR: 115| BF

12/1

French bumper winner who failed to meet expectations in a couple of hurdle outings for Willie Mullins in the spring. Acquired for just £8,000 thereafter and betting may prove good guide here.

Form: 2/59-

Desaray Girl²³

Age: 6| Weight: 10-9| J: Billy Garritty| T: Micky Hammond| OR: 108

10/1

Three-time hurdle winner for Phil Kirby during 2019/20 but struggled to make same impact for present stable, weakening out of things before 2 out at Sedgefield 23 days ago.

Form: 4P5P-55

Forecasts

Unexpected Party (8/13), The Brimming Water (8/1), Severance (9/1), Desaray Girl (10/1), Fly Smart (12/1), Into Overdrive (14/1), Ask Paddington (25/1), Perfect Man (28/1), Silva Eclipse (28/1), The Delray Munky (40/1)

A facile winner on his handicap debut over C&D in October, UNEXPECTED PARTY progressed again when runner-up in a stronger race at Cheltenham last month and he can take another 4 lb rise in his stride with the prospect of better still to come. A host in opposition have something to prove, so Into Overdrive and The Brimming Water may be the pair to give him most to think about.