The Pertemps Network Hurdle, registered
as the Swinton Hurdle, has thrown up winners at 25/1 and 16/1 (four
times) in the last ten years, so it’s definitely one of our
favourite races at this time of year.
Rayvin Black (14/1) has been
found wanting over 2 miles 3½ furlongs at Ascot and 2 miles 4
furlongs at Sandown in recent months, but has shown progressive form
at, or around, 2 miles. Back at the minimum trip on a flat track, the
Halling gelding promises to be a different proposition and is just
4lb higher in the weights than when beaten three-quarters of a length
in the Imperial Cup, over 2 miles ½ furlong, at Sandown two starts
ago. Underfoot conditions are likely to place the emphasis on speed,
favouring those who race on or close to the pace, so Rayvin Black is
definitely one for the shortlist.
Lexi’s Boy (25/1) has
evidently had his problems, which have restricted him to just four
runs over hurdles in the last three seasons, but he ran better than
his finishing position suggests when ninth of twenty-one, beaten 19
lengths, in a similar race over 2 miles 4 furlongs at Aintree last
month. The Verglas gelding only weakened between the last two on that
occasion and, if he can build on that effort, looks far from
impossibly handicapped. All four of his career wins have come at the
minimum trip, on good, good to soft and soft going, so he looks
another to keep on the right side.
Fergal (20/1) is an interesting
contender insofar that he’s run in a novice chase at Plumpton, a
maiden at Lingfield and 0-100 handicap at Chelmsford on his last
three starts. He finished last of four in the former and last of
seven in the latter, but won by 9 lengths at Lingfield, so probably
isn’t badly handicapped off a mark of 141 if you consider he
finished eighth of twenty, beaten 8¼ lengths, in the valuable Galway
Hurdle last July off a mark of 143. Furthermore, he attempted to make
all on that occasion, so a return to forcing tactics could show him
in better light here.
Selections: Rayvin Black (14/1
generally available), Lexi’s Boy (25/1 with Bet365, Paddy
Power and Coral) and Fergal (20/1 with Paddy Power).
Good luck!