The Ladbroke Hurdle at Ascot is traditionally one of the most competitive handicaps of the season. This year's renewal looks no different, but Timeform are here to give their expert tips on the race.
Brampour has improved significantly this season, landing valuable handicap over C&D before following up in the Greatwood. Solid third to Grandouet in International last week and due to go up 9 lb.
Marsh Warbler had fine first campaign over hurdles, win in Chepstow Grade 1 the highlight. Creditable second to easy winner Grandouet on return at Haydock, but improvement needed to defy this mark.
Via Galilei has done really well since being switched to handicaps, runner-up to Brampour here in October and improving a bit further when second at Sandown last time. Likely to give another good account.
Sailors Warn was a smart juvenile hurdler last term and got back to winning ways in minor event at Limerick (2¼m) in October. Good second both starts since, latest coming in listed contest at Naas last month.
Gibb River won first 3 starts over hurdles last season and made promising start to this campaign, close third at Sandown (Via Galilei second) recently. Should be little to separate that pair once more.
Desert Cry progressed well over hurdles last term and better than ever when making winning reappearance at Haydock last month. However, 8 lb higher in better race makes life tougher here.
Prospect Wells has taken well to hurdles, winning 2 of 3 starts, only defeat coming in Grade 2 at Cheltenham in November. Least exposed runner of this field and a leading contender.
Viva Colonia is a strong-travelling type suited by well-run races as proved when winning at Market Rasen and Cartmel over the summer. Finished fifth, 6½ lengths behind Brampour in the Greatwood last time.
Rajdhani Express is an ex-French performer who was runner-up in Grade 3 company in November 2010. Shaped as if in need of run when behind Via Galilei and Gibb River on debut for this yard at Sandown recently.
Tonic Mellysse fell sixth on recent chase debut, but had previously shown fairly useful form over hurdles, winning Ayr juvenile in April and chasing home Kalann in Cheltenham minor event on return.
Alarazi was an emphatic winner of Imperial Cup at Sandown in March. Not at best in 3 subsequent outings but can be expected to come on for last month's reappearance.
Abergavenny was three from three in novices in the spring and fit from the Flat when showing further improvement, 3 lengths third to Brampour in Greatwood last time. Likely capable of better still.
Raya Star made winning return at Wetherby in October and creditable third off 12 lb higher mark at Newbury last time. However, been raised a further 2 lb for that effort and may find others better treated.
Act of Kalanisi showed good attitude to win on hurdles debut at Newbury last November, and improved for step up to 19f when scoring here in February. Not at best when third at Wincanton on reappearance.
Ciceron was back to best when landing pair of 17f handicaps at Taunton early in the year, but form tailed off at back-end of last season and little encouragement to be gained for last month's return over C&D.
Rigidity is useful on Flat and made winning hurdles debut in Ireland in February. Ran well in face of stiff task at Haydock (behind Marsh Warbler) on debut for current yard last time, but this no easier.
First Avenue's resolution has often beencalled into question but coaxed back to winning ways at Lingfield in November. Behind few of these at Sandown last time and likely to struggle from 10 lb out of handicap.
Timeform 1-2-3
1. Brampour
2. Prospect Wells
3. Abergavenny
Timeform Verdict: A typically competitive renewal that can go to top-weight Brampour, who has shown himself none the worse for his recent busy spell and is still favourably treated. He may have most to fear from unexposed-stablemate Prospect Wells and Abergavenny, whilst Via Galilei and Gibb River, closely matched on their Sandown running, are unlikely to be far away.
