Jordan Yates' Elite Hurdle Preview

The Elite Hurdle takes centre stage at Wincanton which is a Grade 2 affair that’s contested over a distance of a mile and seven furlongs and it’s a thrown up a competitive renewal to say the least. Three horses all battling it out at the top of the market for favourtism and it’s another Harry Fry contender that’s just edging it at the moment and that’s If The Cap Fits (2/1). He hasn’t been seen since last December due to an injury that ruled him out of the Spring festival but before said injury he looked a potential big player within the hurdling division. Winning three Novice events on the bounce in smart style he certified himself as a very decent hurdler and if picking up where he left off he’s a clear player here. Noel Fehily once again takes the ride. It’s a Nicky Henderson duo that take their places behind the market leader and the first of these comes in the form of Verdana Blue (5/2), she established herself as a smart mare last term within Handicap company over hurdles and even got her nose in front on the level a couple of months ago. She made her reappearance over hurdles last month at Kempton when winning a Listed event and she comes here a big player, Jeremiah McGrath will be on board. We Have A Dream (11/4) makes up the Henderson duo and this is a horse that went from strength to strength last term winning his last four which consisted of a Listed event, a Group 2 and two Group 1’s. Culminating with a devastating display at Aintree in April, I was there that day and this very smart sort dismantled a solid field with minimal fuss. He’s got to concede weight here to some smart rivals which may well prove to be the negative but I suspect a big season is on the cards which could start here.

Another horse that’s got to concede weight to rivals is the Alan King trained Redicean (9/1) who made a bright start to life this term with a second placed effort at Cheltenham last month. He’s looked a smart prospect last term before struggling slightly in the Triumph and a return to a track like this may well be what he needs. That being said this is a hot contest and it will require a step up should he play a part. Wayne Hutchinson will be on board. Air Horse One (33/1) and John Constable (33/1) are both smart performers on their day but come here with patchy form to say the least. Smaoineamh Alainn (25/1) makes the field up for Robert Walford.