Morebattle Hurdle Guide 2023

The main outsider in this contest, priced at 33/1 after a couple of decent runs here in January and 15 days ago. Was a pretty average third of five here last time out in a class three handicap and that victory was a rare success.

Others are preferred here but that is not discounting a decent run in an open field.

Experienced flat/hurdle eight-year-old who has run well in Ireland and his last three hurdle runs have been very promising. He finished first in a class four at Plumpton in November last year before second at both Taunton and Naas on his last two outings.

This is a much tougher test and his price in the market reflects that and others are probably better placed.

Experienced nine-year-old since his debut in 2017 who finished fifth on his last outing at 9/2 joint-favourite with Grivetana who fared only one better in fourth, as fellow runner here Collingham recorded victory.

Had previously beat Collingham at Musselburgh in January but is an inconsistent type and this is tougher than his previous runs.

Tough horse who won this race last year, fending off Saint D’Oroux by a length and a half when priced at 8/1. Has since ran a bit on the flat before returning over hurdles at Cheltenham in November last year for the Greatwood Handicap Hurdle won by I Like To Move It.

Unseated his rider last time in a grade two chase at Doncaster in January when set to place but should be competitive in a bid to retain his crown.

Fairly experienced eight-year-old who finally won at Musselburgh last time out after three runner-up finishes in a row prior at Carlisle, Haydock and Aintree.

He beat Holmes St Georges in that Musselburgh success who went on to finish second on his next run so Benson is capable of beating top horses and he can be competitive again here, with many runners in with a chance.

Others are preferred here with Tritonic being extremely below par over hurdles so far this year, finishing ninth of nine in the Grade Two Relkeel Hurdle at Cheltenham on New Year’s Day before finishing eighth in the Betfair Hurdle at Newbury three weeks ago.

Dropping 4lb can help but it is hard to make a case for him here.

Developed into a good hurdler last season, performing well in graded company. Most notable runs came at Punchestown in April 2021 when second behind Echoes In Rain, second at Ascot in December 2021 when two lengths behind winner Jonbon and third in the County Hurdle at Cheltenham Festival last year.

Has since gone chasing, finishing fourth and second but has to defy top weight if he is to score over hurdles again on return.

Decent hurdler in 2021/22 before being very average on the flat throughout 2022 for Philip Hobbs.

Has only finished outside the top two in hurdle runs once, at Haydock last year after second-place finishes at Chepstow (twice) and Exeter as well as winning at Worcester in a class four.

Has potential for new trainer Tom Lacey and Sean Bowen is booked to ride this interesting runner.

Consistent five-year-old who has had a good season so far, finishing in the top three in each of his last five outings. Those runs have brought two victories, at Wetherby and Musselburgh last time out.

He ran on strongly to beat Parisencore by a length in that contest and can improve again. Looks a decent price considering his good form recently and could be worth some each way money.

Seven-year-old for Adrian Heatley who has performed well over hurdles, winning three of his six runs over obstacles at Hexham, Doncaster and Newcastle.

Most recent victory came at Newcastle last month, beating Les’s Legacy by a head in a class four handicap contest.
He’s in a good run of form, much like a lot of the others in this race but this is a step up for him.

Five-year-old gelding who made debut in France before a strong run of form in England so far, placing seven times so far.

Has recently won at Fontwell and Lingfield before a creditable third in the Betfair Hurdle at Newbury three weeks ago and should again be in the mix here after a top run of form over his last few runs for Gary Moore.

Four-year-old gelding who was decent on the flat for Jim Bolger, placing six times before making his hurdling debut for Emmet Mullins at Sedgefield in September last year, winning a Juvenile Maiden Hurdle contest.

Followed that up with a grade two victory at Auteuil in France but has been below par since then with sixth at the same course before finishing ninth of 11 in a grade two won by Lossiemouth last time out.

Mullins won this race in 2021 and he’ll have every chance of bouncing back here.

Won his last two outings, at Hereford in December in a class four novice before triumphing again at Kempton in January in a class three handicap, beating Kaleb by a length.

He’s improved with each run over hurdles since second and eighth at Cheltenham in a class three and a class one so is going the right way and Adam Wedge is booked to ride here.

Decent hurdler in France last season, winning at Auteuil and Pau which was sandwiched by second at Auteuil in February.

Has since finished fourth at Haydock on English debut for the Skelton’s in a class two handicap before finishing third at Kempton over Christmas, behind Big Boy Bobby and No Ordinary Joe.

He’s an interesting runner in this race at 5/1, with his yard having a good record in these contests and is in with a chance for sure.

Six-year-old gelding who has begun well over hurdles, winning two of his five runs over obstacles at Plumpton and Catterick.

Was half a length behind First Impression when bidding for the hat-trick last time out at Catterick 19 days ago.
Looks a progressive type and goes off 123 here in much better company.

Won three hurdle races in his career so far, at Ffos Las, Ayr and most recently Wetherby in December in a class three handicap.

Couldn’t back that up at Musselburgh last month where Collingham won after weakening quickly and his team have fitted tongue strap on the back of that run.

This is tougher but he has won three of his last six races, albeit in lesser company.