Masterson Holdings Hurdle (GBB Race)

Off time: 14:41 | Winning time: 4m 1.43s

Knight Salute¹⁹⁸

Age: 4| Weight: 11-8| J: P J Brennan| T: M F Harris| OR: 146| CD

9/2

Proved a revelation over hurdles last season, his only defeat coming in the Triumph, while he subsequently added to his 3 Grade 2 wins when awarded the Grade 1 Aintree Anniversary (dead-heated with Pied Piper on the day). Strong claims.

Form: 111191-

Pied Piper^t¹³⁰

Age: 4| Weight: 11-8| J: Jack Kennedy| T: G Elliott| OR: 145| C| D

5/6

Useful on the Flat (sixth in Ascot Stakes in tongue tie) and made a bright start over hurdles last term, bolting up on the new course here in January before a fine third in the Triumph. Battled back to dead-heat with Knight Salute at Aintree next time (subsequently placed second). More to come.

Form: 113D-

Doctor Parnassus¹⁸²

Age: 4| Weight: 11-0| J: Harry Skelton| T: D Skelton| OR: 136| D

11/2

Fair maiden on the level taking after his half-brother the useful hurdler Metier, winning his first 2 starts in this sphere at the start of the year. Well held in the Triumph and valuable Sandown handicap after but could have more to offer this term.

Form: 1178-

Sawbuck¹⁴

Age: 4| Weight: 11-0| J: Charlie O'Dwyer| T: C O'Dwyer| OR: 120

66/1

Fairly useful hurdler who won 2m Punchestown maiden in May. Seemed to run well when third in the 4-Y-O handicap at Chepstow a fortnight ago but this is much tougher.

Form: 0-1P943

Bella Scintilla²⁰

Age: 4| Weight: 10-7| J: T J O'Brien| T: J P O'Brien| OR: 129

9/2

Fairly useful hurdler/chaser in France and she made a pleasing start for new yard when landing 17f Killarney novice hurdle 3 weeks ago. Could build on that and unwise to dismiss in receipt of weight.

Form: 332P2-1

Forecasts

Pied Piper (5/6), Knight Salute (9/2), Bella Scintilla (9/2), Doctor Parnassus (11/2), Sawbuck (66/1)

PIED PIPER and Knight Salute fought out a thrilling finish to the Anniversary Hurdle at Aintree in the spring and look the pair to focus on. Knight Salute was awarded that race but Gordon Elliott's charge, who was third in the Triumph, is the one with scope to improve further this season and can make a winning return.