The Betfair “Tap Tap Boom” “Fixed
Brush” Handicap Hurdle, run over 2 miles 6 furlongs and 77 yards at
Haydock, is a fairly recent addition to the National Hunt calendar,
but is invariably highly competitive. At the time of writing, all bar
five of the 16-strong field declared for this year’s renewal are
trading at 12/1 or longer, so a long-priced winner is a distinct
possibility.
The first one that catches our eye is
One For Harry (20/1), who was still well in contention when
falling at the fourth last in this race last year and is just 2lb
higher in the weights this time around. Indeed, the Generous gelding
recorded a career-best effort when beating Shotavodka by half a
length over 2 miles 4 furlongs on his seasonal reappearance at Ayr
earlier this month, so comes into the race at the top of his game.
Nicky Richards’ 7-year-old has yet to win over this far, but has
won over 2 miles 4 furlongs on testing courses such as Carlisle and
Hexham, including on soft going, so shouldn’t be inconvenienced by
an extra three furlongs or so.
David Pipe makes life difficult by
saddling two, but it’s interesting that stable jockey Tom Scudamore
has chosen Batavir (20/1) over stable companion Low Key
(20/1). The Muhatthir gelding could only finish ninth of 16, beaten
16 lengths, behind Ron’s Dream over regulation hurdles at
Cheltenham last week, but he makes a quick reappearance and his
experience over hurdles based on the French design should stand him
in good stead. He remains 7lb higher in the weights than when
winning over 2 miles 5½ furlongs at Wincanton on Boxing Day, but
only beat a retreat after the second last at Cheltenham at may be a
different proposition this time. Certainly, he’ll relish testing
conditions.
Selections: One For Harry
(20/1 with Paddy Power), Batavir (20/1 with Paddy Power)
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