Coral Hurdle (Registered As The Ascot Hurdle) (Grade 2) (GBB Race)

Off time: 14:06 | Winning time: 4m 38.47s

Goshen⁴²

Age: 7| Weight: 11-6| J: N F Houlihan| T: G & J Moore| OR: 154| CD

7/1

Quirky sort but he's very smart at his best and took this event 12 months ago. Back after a recent run on the Flat and he's a big player once more.

Form: 312352-

Sceau Royal³⁴

Age: 11| Weight: 11-4| J: Thomas Bellamy| T: A King| OR: 150

9/1

Very smart hurdler/chaser but he resumed with a below-par fourth in 2m Kempton listed hurdle last month. This likeable veteran is the sort to bounce back though.

Form: 24326-4

Strong Leader⁴¹

Age: 6| Weight: 11-0| J: S Bowen| T: O Murphy| OR: 143| BF

5/2

Progressed really well over hurdles last term, winning first 3 starts in novice company at around 2m and signing off with second in Aintree Grade 1. Came in last of 10 though in Ffos Las handicap on his return last month so has a bit to prove now.

Form: 11192-0

Blueking D'oroux²⁸

Age: 4| Weight: 10-13| J: H Cobden| T: P F Nicholls| OR: 138| C

4/1

Useful hurdler who returned with a cosy success in 2m novice at Cheltenham 28 days ago. This is much tougher, however.

Form: 4P912-1

Theatre Glory²¹⁰

Age: 6| Weight: 10-11| J: N de Boinville| T: N J Henderson| OR: 143| BF| D

7/4

Smart mare who picked up her fifth win over hurdles in Warwick listed event in February. This consistent sort is well on the mix on her seasonal return.

Form: 1/U3163-

Forecasts

Theatre Glory (7/4), Strong Leader (5/2), Blueking D'oroux (4/1), Goshen (7/1), Sceau Royal (9/1)

Gary Moore's GOSHEN has his quirks but he's highly talented at his best and off the back of a recent Flat run is fancied to follow up his success in this contest 12 months ago. Nicky Henderson's consistent mare Theatre Glory rates the chief threat ahead of the likeable veteran Sceau Royal.