16:10 Sandown

Saturday 27 April 2024

All13:5014:2515:0015:3516:1016:4517:20

bet365 Select Hurdle (Grade 2) (GBB Race)

Off time: 16:12 | Winning time: 5m 26.1s

Blueking D'oroux¹²⁶

Age: 5| Weight: 11-10| J: H Cobden| T: P F Nicholls| OR: 148

16/1

Returned with a cosy success in 2m novice at Cheltenham in October and posted a borderline smart effort when following up in a relatively weak field for the Coral Hurdle at Ascot. Creditable fifth in Long Walk there last time but has something to find.

Form: 912-115

Botox Has^b1¹⁴

Age: 8| Weight: 11-10| J: Caoilin Quinn| T: G & J Moore| OR: 152

33/1

Second success in Grade 2s this season when bounding clear in the Rendlesham at Haydock in February but pulled up in Liverpool Hurdle and, even on his best form, he has something to find. Blinkers tried.

Form: 4-1661P

Brewin'upastorm^t²⁶

Age: 11| Weight: 11-10| J: S Bowen| T: O Murphy| OR: 149

22/1

Smart and likeable hurdler who showed himself to be every bit as good as ever when landing the 4-runner Ballybin Hurdle in game style at Fairyhouse last time. This is tougher but he should give his running.

Form: 18-2321

Impaire Et Passe¹⁶

Age: 6| Weight: 11-10| J: Paul Townend| T: W P Mullins| OR: 161| D

4/5

High-class hurdler who belatedly opened his account for the season when edging out Bob Olinger in a contentious finish at Aintree earlier in the month. Fortunate to get the better of Langer Dan there, but still boasts excellent claims.

Form: 11-2231

Langer Dan¹⁶

Age: 8| Weight: 11-8| J: Harry Skelton| T: D Skelton| OR: 160| C| D

7/1

Smart performance when becoming the first dual winner of the Coral Cup (Handicap) at Cheltenham Festival and backed it up with a tremendous effort when third to Impaire Et Passe at Aintree last time, arguably unlucky not to win having suffered interference late. Worth chancing to turn the tables.

Form: 6P9013

Ballyadam^t⁴⁵

Age: 9| Weight: 11-4| J: Rachael Blackmore| T: H De Bromhead| OR: 151

6/1

Made it third time lucky over fences at Wexford last summer and, while it's been a while since he's tasted success in this sphere, his Coral Cup second to Langer Dan (giving him 6 lb) makes for good reading now. Definite player.

Form: 5-21332

Call Me Lord¹⁰

Age: 11| Weight: 11-4| J: James Bowen| T: N J Henderson| OR: 141| CD

80/1

Made a winning return last term and repeated the feat this time around, beating 4 rivals at Hereford (19.7f) in December. Sub-par both starts since, though.

Form: 205-160

Sir Gerhard²⁷

Age: 9| Weight: 11-4| J: Mr P W Mullins| T: W P Mullins| OR: 155| D

6/1

Leading novice hurdler of 2021/22 campaign and a smart novice chaser last term. Positive return to the smaller obstacles this season and had plenty in hand when landing a minor event at Cork last time. Definite player.

Form: 2P-F101

Forecasts

Impaire Et Passe (4/5), Sir Gerhard (6/1), Ballyadam (6/1), Langer Dan (7/1), Blueking D'oroux (16/1), Brewin'upastorm (22/1), Botox Has (33/1), Call Me Lord (80/1)

LANGER DAN would, in all likelihood, have edged out Impaire Et Passe in the Aintree Hurdle had he not suffered interference on more than one occasion and he's worth a chance to confirm that impression in what looks another fascinating encounter. Sir Gerhard is another potent weapon for Willie Mullins as he bids for the trainer's title.