Sunday 23rd June

Hexham 2.48 - Novice Handicap Hurdle - Class 5 - 2miles 7 and 1/2 furlongs - 14 run - Good

 

There are very few in here with proven stamina above 2 miles and only a few with stamina proven up to 2 and 1/2 miles and only 4 of them have actually delivered any kind of form so far at 3 miles.

 

Of them, Breakdance KId was a Chase winner over 3 miles last time at 25/1 with the Yard unable to offer an explanation for the improved form and after 5-6 chase runs it steps back to hurles where it's best runs have been in to 4th and 5th place at 2 and a half miles. Top weight of 12 stones may leave it vulnerable. Jeteye has one decent hurdle run of note at this sort of trip at Southwell but mainly runs over Chase Fences where form is "iffy", back over hurdles in a compressed top end market, I think it's opposable too but the nominated e/w reserve nontheless.

 

The favourite is Better Be Definite with recent form of 1-2-1 off marks of 79-84-89 it's up to a mark of 92 here and was all out last time to win. I think it's better "win only" value that the other named pair IF you want a win saver.

 

The each way value though with some enhanced places is definitely ITURGEON DU BREUIL who has a couple of placed runs at the trip, that's pretty solid form in the context of the race and with the proven stamina, I'd be very disappointed if not in the first 4 home here with a clear round. There may be a "lurker" upped in trip amongst the other 10 runners, but frankly I can't find it on known form and pedigree. (DT)