32 Red Hurdle betting

A small but select field of five runners will contest the 32Red Hurdle ,formerly known as The Tolworth Hurdle at Sandown Park on Saturday, writes Mikey Mumford.  Paul Nicholls teams up with Ruby Walsh on Prospect Wells and the seven-year-old gelding looks the one to beat on paper. However, it would be foolish to discount Dickie Johnson’s mount Colour Squadron who has won two of his first three starts. Winning connections will receive a share of the £30,000 prize money on offer in this Grade 1 Novices’ event.

Captain Conan French raider who collected a 4yo hurdle event at Auteil on his final run in France last year. Yet to race on British soil, he represents the powerful Nicky Henderson yard but hard to know what to expect. Has won over 2m2f on soft ground but probably best watched on this occasion.

Colour Squadron Won his Chepstow bumper with a fair bit in hand on debut before going close over hurdles next time. Beaten half-a-length by a 142 rated rival that day and confirmed that promise when making at Newbury latest.  He’s gone up 7Ib for that success but gets at least this trip and has to be taken very seriously.

High Storm Officially rated 130 over hurdles although yet to get his nose in front in seven races so far. Showed more promise last time when beaten on the nod by 137 rated hurdler but looks up against it in this company. Jason Maguire about the only positive here and not hard to look elsewhere.

Magnifique Etoile Unbeaten on his first two starts over hurdles beating his nearest rivals by a combined total of 25 lengths. Has gone up another 7Ib for his latest Bangor success in December and could give the two market leaders something to think about. Bidding for a four-timer but might find one or two too good here. Check out the latest offers for the 2013 Cheltenham Festival, with over £500 in free bets available.

Prospect Wells Easily the highest rated of these over hurdles and 99-rated flat performer during his time with Howard Johnson. Won twice and been placed in his four attempts over the sticks and took a keen hold early last time when sent off favourite for the Ladbroke Hurdle. Better is expected this time and he should take all the beating.

A trappy little affair but one which centres largely on the two market principles; Colour Squadron and PROSPECT WELLS. Phillip Hobbs’ runner has further improvement in him and won well last time at Newbury, albeit in a weaker event than this. However, preference is for the latter and he can make amends for his disappointing fourth last time out. [Mikey Mumford]

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