14:25 Ascot
Saturday 21 December 2024
All12:4013:1513:5014:2515:0015:35
Howden Long Walk Hurdle (Grade 1) (GBB Race)
- 4YO plus | Class 1 | 3m 97y | Good to Soft (Soft in places) | 10 Runners | Turf | Weighed In
- Off time: 14:25 | Winning time: 6m 6.84s
Settings
Selected odds by:
A smart chaser on his day and he resumed with an easy success in 10-runner handicap chase here (29.4f) 28 days ago. This is his first run over hurdles since 2022 but he can't be discounted.
|
Smart hurdler who returned with a good second of 5 in Howden Ascot Hurdle here (19.3f) 28 days ago. Effective over this longer trip. Possibilities.
|
Smart hurdler bagged the Rendlesham Hurdle at Haydock in February. Not disgraced on his return when a fading tenth in 3m handicap at Cheltenham in October. Not dismissed.
|
Took this contest 12 months ago but he failed to fire in the Stayers' Hurdle at Cheltenham and Liverpool Hurdle at Aintree subsequently. Has twice won off a break before though so needs considering on his seasonal return.
|
Lightly-raced Irish hurdler who was much improved last term, landing Grade 2 at Navan before an excellent third of 10 to Strong Leader in Liverpool Hurdle at Aintree in April. Sort to go on again this season. Likely player.
|
A very useful hurdler who reappeared with a career-best win in 15-runner handicap at Haydock (24.3f, heavy) 28 days ago. This demands another step forward though.
|
Much improved since sent over staying trips, bagging Grade 1 Liverpool Hurdle at Aintree in the spring and returning with a smooth success in 4-runner Long Distance Hurdle at Newbury 22 days ago. Big shout.
|
Progressive Irish hurdler completed his four-timer in 12-runner handicap at Cheltenham (24f) in October, This is much tougher but he has more to offer so needs considering.
|
Smart winning hurdler comes here on the back of an improved third of 8 in Grade 2 Lismullen Hurdle at Navan (20.2f) 35 days ago. No forlorn hope now his stamina is drawn out further.
|
Signed off for last season with success in valuable 20f handicap hurdle at Aintree and comes here on the back of a ready victory in Listed event at Kempton (2m5f) 26 days ago. Shortlisted.
|
Forecasts
Strong Leader (11/8), The Wallpark (9/2), Hiddenvalley Lake (7/1), Crambo (9/1), Kateira (12/1), Blueking D'oroux (12/1), Shoot First (12/1), Beauport (16/1), Botox Has (33/1), Eagle Fang (40/1)
STRONG LEADER hasn't looked back since sent over staying trips and with his yard well among the winners too he rates a confident choice to bag a second Grade 1 here. Irish-raiders Hiddenvalley Lake and The Wallpark both arrive on the up and can ensure Olly Murphy's high-class 7-y-o doesn't have things all his own way though, with last year's victor Crambo also in the picture.
- Strong Leader11/8
- The Wallpark9/2
Previous Winners
Prize Money
1st: £71,188.002nd: £26,712.003rd: £13,375.004th: £6,662.005th: £3,350.006th: £1,675.00
MOST READ RACING
Follow & Track
Your favourite horses, jockeys and trainers with My StableLog in
Discover Sporting Life Plus benefits
