Unibet Elite Hurdle (Grade 2) (GBB Race)

Off time: 15:00 | Winning time: 3m 25.26s

Sceau Royal²⁰

Age: 10| Weight: 11-8| J: D A Jacob| T: A King| OR: 157| CD

11/8

Very smart winning hurdler/chaser who signed off for last term with a good second in Celebration Chase at Sandown. Landed the odds at Kempton on return and has won this contest for the last 2 seasons. Should make a bold bid for the hat-trick despite 6 lb penalty.

Form: 36232-1

Knight Salute¹⁴

Age: 4| Weight: 11-5| J: P J Brennan| T: M F Harris| OR: 145

10/1

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). Respectable second behind that rival at Cheltenham on return but is penalised here.

Form: 11191-2

Knappers Hill²⁸

Age: 6| Weight: 11-2| J: H Cobden| T: P F Nicholls| OR: 146| CD

11/8

Smart bumper winner who has resumed progress over hurdles, completing hat-trick with a bit in hand in Silver Trophy at Chepstow on return. Could have more to offer still so worth another shot at this level.

Form: 36011-1

Milkwood²⁷

Age: 8| Weight: 11-2| J: Sam Twiston-Davies| T: N P Mulholland| OR: 145

8/1

Scottish Champion Hurdle winner in 2021 prior to an excellent second in Galway Hurdle later last summer. Seen only 4 times after but best effort since when second in Welsh Champion Hurdle at Ffos Las on return. Big player with a repeat.

Form: 1/245-F2

Forecasts

Knappers Hill (11/8), Sceau Royal (11/8), Milkwood (8/1), Knight Salute (10/1)

This seems more competitive than the market suggests, and MILKWOOD looks the value call on these terms after his good second in the Welsh Champion Hurdle. The progressive Knappers Hill may emerge as the biggest threat with Sceau Royal and Knight Salute shouldering penalties.