Race of the Day Preview / Timeform / 28 February 2009 / Leave a comment Free £25 Bet

Timeform run the rule over the Bet WBX Mobile @ m.wbx.com Handicap Hurdle...

Eight line up for this handicap hurdle over two and a half miles.

Hills of Aran has to give plenty of weight to his seven rivals. He has been better than ever this season, winning at Chepstow in October. He has put in very good efforts when placed in graded company on his last two starts, finishing second to Kasbah Bliss at Haydock prior to a third place behind Lough Derg in the National Spirit Hurdle at Fontwell last Sunday. He is tough, and should make a bold bid to concede weight all round here.

Nicky Henderson's Dave's Dream lost his unbeaten record in a competitive handicap hurdle at Ascot last time, making a bad mistake at the fourth and struggling before three out. He has shaped as though he will stay this trip and possibly remains capable of better still, though has something to prove in this company.

Hibiki has put in improved efforts in the frame this season, and finished fourth to European Dream in the Scottish County Hurdle at Musselburgh in January, leaving the impression he'd need more of a test of stamina to progress further. He wears cheekpieces again today and should give a good account racing over two and a half miles for the first time.

Gary Moore saddles Altilhar. He has not been seen since a below-par effort in the Ladbroke Hurdle at Ascot in December 2007, although shaped as if retaining his ability when fourth in a recent outing on the Flat. He is another who will be suited by further than two miles.

Callisto Moon is another who recently reappeared on the Flat although he put in below form efforts on the all-weather on two starts in February. He has been dropped 3 lb by the BHA handicapper since last seen over hurdles although needs to bounce back to form here.
Oscardeal put up a career best effort when beating Lausta Bad by a nose at Southwell last time, however he has been raised 6 lb for that effort and more is required here.

Night Cru is a strong-traveller who has yet to get off the mark over hurdles but appreciated demands of a stiffer stamina test when runner-up in a valuable staying handicap in January and should make his presence felt.

Hernando Royal has run consistently well this season and had every chance when fourth to Cathedral Rock in a handicap hurdle at Cheltenham. He kept on again steadily over two and a half miles and should give another good account.