Hi all,
Inside today’s main piece I continue my preview of the weekend’s big race action with a preview of Saturday’s Betfair Stayers' Handicap Hurdle at Haydock.
Haydock: Betfair Stayers' Handicap Hurdle (Premier Handicap)
In yesterday’s column, I previewed Haydock’s Grade 1 Betfair Chase. Today, my focus shifts to Haydock’s Betfair Stayers' Handicap Hurdle (2:30), a premier handicap run over 3m ½ f. First run in 2005, from 2007 to 2016 the race featured Fixed Brush hurdles before reverting to standard hurdles in 2017.
The race has produced notable winners, including Paisley Park (2018), who used it as a stepping stone to a stellar staying hurdles career. This year’s renewal looks set to deliver its usual mix of quality and excitement, ensuring another memorable contest for jump racing enthusiasts.
Looking at the last 16 running’s of the Betfair Stayers' Handicap Hurdle which contain 16 winners from 244 runners. All 16 winners shared the following traits.
Will any of those trends be broken this year?
Contenders:
This year’s Betfair Stayers' Handicap Hurdle offers £56,950 to the winner and has attracted a competitive entry.
Leading the ante post betting is Doyen Quest, who impressed with a dominant win at Cheltenham last Saturday. Carrying just a 5lb penalty for his Cheltenham success, he looks well in. If the quick turnaround doesn’t take its toll, he’ll be tough to beat.
Trainer Dan Skelton holds a strong hand, leaving in Gwennie May Boy, Punta Del Este, and Catch Him Derry alongside Doyen Quest. Gwennie May Boy, effective on soft ground, makes his seasonal return, while Catch Him Derry looked an improver when scoring at Newton Abbot 24 days ago. Three of the Skelton runners already have jockeys booked, but Harry Skelton’s ride on Doyen Quest suggests he’s the stable pick. If conditions turn soft, both Gwennie May Boy and Catch Him Derry could come firmly into the picture.
Among the rivals, Top weight Monmiral landed the Pertemps Hurdle Final at Cheltenham in March and has been targeted at this race. He should strip fitter after his Newbury reappearance 16 days ago. Although vulnerable to better-handicapped rivals, he remains a contender.
Kamsinas, a winner at Aintree on his seasonal return, is another interesting contender. His yard, who had last year’s runner-up, have aimed him at this race.
Kerryhill and Phantomofthepoints also warrant attention. Kerryhill has only raced three times over hurdles but landed a Grade 2 novice at Doncaster last season, suggesting potential for better on his second season hurdling. Phantomofthepoints is unproven beyond 2m but represents the in-form David Pipe yard, who won this race in 2020.
Betfair Stayers' Handicap Hurdle Verdict
Dan Skelton's team dominates the field, but with proven stayers and potential improvers in opposition, this promises to be a fascinating contest. Like the Betfair Chase it’s not a race I will be looking at in detail until final declarations on Thursday. I will certainly be keeping an eye on the weather as it will have a big bearing on my final race selections.
If you want my Saturday selections and for the next month you can get them here.
Thursday Racing
Andaleep is handicapped up to the hilt. Thus, vulnerable to any better treated rivals but has each way claims in the Stay In Control With BetUK Handicap at Southwell (6:30).
Good luck with your Thursday bets.
John