The main race is up next, and both Verdana Blue and Silver Streak can stake claims for victory. It’ll be a quick turnout for Verdana Blue, who has been thriving this season. She’s unbeaten in two starts, and firmly staked her claim as a Champion Hurdle contender with her Elite Hurdle victory last Saturday.
She’s paid the price for that success and carries the welter burden of top weight, but on her favoured Good ground, success here will definitely create dreams of Festival victory in March. Silver Streak on the other hand, has got a Champion Hurdle to his name, albeit the Welsh version.
The Evans Williams’ trained Grey may only be five, but he has been a fruitful money spinner for the yard, including a Swinton Hurdle success in May. He fits the perfect profile for a race of this calibre: progressive, good ground horse and major handicap experience. Silver Streak could be anything here.