BetMGM Kingwell Hurdle (Grade 2) (GBB Race)

4YO plus | Class 1 | 1m 7f 50y | 4 Runners | Turf

Age: 8| Weight: 11-10| J: Sam Twiston-Davies| T: P F Nicholls| OR: 149| CD

Smart hurdler/chaser who won the Elite Hurdle for a third year running over C&D in November. Ran about as well as could be expected when 9½ lengths third of 6 to Sir Gino in Christmas Hurdle at Kempton on most recent outing and big player back down in grade.

Form: 155-113

Alexei^t⁵⁶

Age: 6| Weight: 11-8| J: Brendan Powell| T: J Tizzard| OR: 148| BF

8/13

Has come back a bigger force this season, bagging valuable handicaps at Ascot and Cheltenham (soft) in November, notably the Greatwood. Shaped well when finishing third in another premier handicap back at Ascot last time and has excellent claims on his first foray into graded company.

Form: 48-2113

Intellotto^t¹³⁹

Age: 6| Weight: 11-4| J: Robbie David| T: Daisy Hitchins| OR: 140

14/1

Useful winning hurdler/chaser who was well held in Irish Cesarewitch at the Curragh when last seen on the Flat in August. Since left Joseph O'Brien's yard and has lot on his plate on these terms.

Form: 14/3-133

Secret Squirrel³⁷¹

Age: 7| Weight: 11-4| J: Paul O'Brien| T: H Morrison| OR: 133| BF

11/2

Benefited from a slightly more restrained ride when landing a good prize at Windsor (2m) last season. In process of running another good race when falling last (likely to have been placed) in William Hill Hurdle at Newbury on final outing. Off since and faces a stiff task at the weights here.

Form: 15/3F1F-

Forecasts

Alexei (8/13), Rubaud (2/1), Secret Squirrel (8/1), Intellotto (50/1)

The usual small field for the Kingwell and ALEXEI and Rubaud are the pair to focus on, with narrow preference for the former, an improving young hurdler who looks up to this level judged on the strength of his handicap wins in the autumn.