Betfair Stayers Hurdle 2018

Ground looking likely to be pretty good now.

First Assignment is well in from winning on Saturday impressively. Trainer hasn’t committed to running as he is a fragile horse, but i suspect they might strike while the irons hot. However, as there’s a chance he doesn’t, i think it’s worth having a look for something.

Moon Racer- couldn’t touch him.

Folsom Blue- likes a lot of cut, well handicapped on chase form but as his Punchestown hurdle run shows, that doesn’t always translate..

Aux Ptits Soins- Has some form that would entitle him to win this doing handstands, but he’s been off a long time and it’s hard to know how fit he will be here. Hurdles will probably be his future and he could run well here. Trainer quoted as saying he’d be ready to run in Nov, when the ground breaks…it hasn’t still, so will he run even?

Bobo Mac- Not good enough on the form.

Theo’s Charm- Probably vulnerable for win purposes, but he has course form…Wouldn’t be a bet right now for me, but he’d be of tiny interest.

Monksland- Former good horse, if the RP is correct he still runs here off 143 after another 377days off- clearly fragile. Another i wouldn’t know if runs.

Chef Des Obeaux is another that probably won’t be suited by the ground. He might run though, but at 7/1- no thanks.

Dragon D’Estruval, hard to know, could be chucked in, Jacob said he would prefer softer ground. Couldn’t back him right now, as he’s very unknown.

Captain Cattistock- Unexposed and is a danger, has a run this season + should be fitter. He could well be a danger.

Paisley Park- a horse i really like, so maybe i am biased here a little. He will have to be as good as i think for him to win this off 147. His runs were full of promise last year before top horses, + on hurdle debut beat Vision Des Flos…The main run that caught my eye was Warwick behind Mr Whipped. I get the feeling this guy could follow a similar path to Sam Spinner, in that he could continue to improve greatly this year. He’s jocked up, ground will be fine + trip as well.

13/2 with skybet 1/4 first 4 is a superb bet for me. There are obviously plenty of dangers, but i can’t help but take a chance.

I like Paisley Park too lads (backed him on his reappearance at Aintree as it goes) but I think the favourite is top class.

Was all over him last week and couldn’t believe the way he travelled. This is obviously tougher but I think he’s a graded horse in the making and should be too good here.

First Assignment @ 7/4

I think Paisley Park can be a Stayers Hurdle horse. Backed him at 4/1.

Happy days Paisley Park, what a finish. Jumps a little big at times, but off that weight, some performance.

Well done Jack, Mark and Charlie. He’s a bonny big horse with lots of promise. Should make a fine chaser.