Ladbroke Hurdle Betting

Ladbrokes Ascot Hurdle (Listed) (Grade 1)

The focus may be on the much talked about Prospect Wells ahead of Saturday’s Ladbroke Hurdle but there are plenty of closely-matched handicappers bidding for a share of the £150,000 purse, writes Mikey Mumford. None more so than the in-form Nicky Henderson pair Gibb River and Rajdhani Express while Greatwood Hurdle conqueror Brampour will have to do it the hard way and defy top weight.

Brampour Followed up his win over course and distance with an impressive victory in the Greatwood two runs back under young Harry Derham. Fared very well in the International Hurdle last week when holding every chance at the last until he faded but another similar effort should see him in the thick of things again. However, wouldn’t be the greatest shock were he to find one or two better handicapped.

Sailors Warn Couple of valiant second placed efforts in his last two runs on varying ground after narrow Limerick win in October. Champion jockey AP McCoy gets the leg up on him for the first time but doesn’t get his head in front all too often and ground may be a concern.

Gibb River Held near finish in his reappearance run earlier this month but only beaten a neck and a head into third. Done all of his winning on good to soft ground and looks to hold a strong chance at the weights. Most definitely the stables first string with Barry Geraghty opting to ride him over Rajdhani Express; shortlisted.

Desert Cry Lightly raced 5yo who defied top weight when scoring at Haydock last month over 2m. Had been running consistently well last season too and was an impressive winner on heavy ground at Sedgefield in February. Takes another step up in class here but respected after his winning reappearance last time.

Prospect Wells Found a new lease of life since joining Paul Nicholls yard after winning a Grade 1 listed event on the flat when with Howard Johnson. Struggled to follow up that effort on the flat but won a novices hurdle at the first time of asking at Chepstow. He was unlucky not to win next time beaten a neck by the useful Steps to Freedom but made amends when justifying favouritism latest. Early market leader and further support should guide.

Abergavenny Useful on the flat for Mark Johnston and done okay since switching to hurdles although hasn’t beaten much in this three wins over the obstacles. However, put in a stellar effort in the Greatwood last time losing second near the finish and must be respected on that evidence.

Raya Star Won three of his ten starts over hurdles including easy win at Wetherby two runs back before a gritty effort when third at Newbury last month. He has won over this trip and looks well treated on the pick of his form for rider Wayne Hutchinson who takes over from the injured Robert Thornton.

There seems to be plenty of support for Prospect Wells who has made an excellent transition to jumps since joining Paul Nicholls yard. However, there could be better value elsewhere and GIBB RIVER can add to Nicky Henderson’s splendid form at the expense of Raya Star who should post another creditable effort. [Mikey Mumford]

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