The fast-improving BUSY BEING BUSY is fancied to complete the hat-trick. The likeable Mr Freedom has a good record here so is next best ahead of Electric Mason, who lost his chance at the start in the Martin Pipe.
Busy Being Busy
Mr Freedom
Electric Mason
2m4f Hcap Hrd
Each Way terms: 1/5 odds for first 3 places
7. Busy Being Busy
J: Lee EdwardsT: Stuart Edmunds
F: 368511
Price History:
-
Age:
5
Weight:
10-7
Gear:
hood
Official Rating:
114
Days Since Last Run:
19
Verdict
Struck at the third time of asking for Stuart Edmunds when comfortably seeing off 5 rivals at Fakenham and a 6 lb rise wasn't nearly enough to defy the follow up there 3 weeks ago. Should make a bold bid for the hat-trick.
4. Mr Escobar
J: Kieran CallaghanT: W. P. Mullins, Ireland
F: 5R21
Price History:
-
Age:
7
Weight:
11-5
Gear:
hood
Official Rating:
126
Days Since Last Run:
51
Verdict
Unreliable sort. Useful winner at 12f on Flat. Made the most of a good opportunity at Sedgefield in November but well held returned to the Flat 7 weeks ago. Opening mark in this sphere on the stiff side.
3. Electric Mason
J: Freddie GordonT: Chris Gordon
F: 20-213510
Price History:
7.50
Age:
6
Weight:
11-9
Gear:
-
Official Rating:
130
Days Since Last Run:
37
Verdict
Bumper winner who has landed maiden/novice hurdles at Fontwell this winter. Useful effort when fifth of 7 in Grade 1 Challow at Newbury before not seen to best effect when down the field in the Martin Pipe at Cheltenham. Worth another chance in this easier handicap.
10. Torrent
J: David NoonanT: Nigel Hawke
F: 21233333
Price History:
-
Age:
4
Weight:
10-2
Gear:
cheekpieces
Official Rating:
119
Days Since Last Run:
21
Verdict
Fair on Flat and has quickly reached a higher level over hurdles, winning pair of early-season juveniles and third in 3 Grade 2s. Not disgraced when third off stiff opening mark at Ascot 3 weeks ago and 3 lb lower now.
5. Mr Freedom
J: Marc GoldsteinT: Sheena West
F: U2102-P63
Price History:
-
Age:
6
Weight:
11-3
Gear:
-
Official Rating:
124
Days Since Last Run:
29
Verdict
Most consistent sort who won at Goodwood and Sandown on the Flat last summer and made a respectable return to hurdling after 7 months off when third at Bangor 4 weeks ago. Entitled to come on for that and has good record here.
1. King Alexander
J: Nico de BoinvilleT: W. P. Mullins, Ireland
F: 1F17-8190
Price History:
-
Age:
7
Weight:
12-0
Gear:
-
Official Rating:
135
Days Since Last Run:
39
Verdict
Useful handicap hurdler who made a successful start for Willie Mullins (formerly with Nicky Henderson) in 3m Fairyhouse event in January. Struggled faced with much more competitive scenarios at Leopardstown/Cheltenham since but should make much more of an impact here and jockey knows him well.
2. Emailandy
J: Harry CobdenT: Paul Nicholls
F: 22319-0PP
Price History:
-
Age:
7
Weight:
11-12
Gear:
blinkers and tongue strap
Official Rating:
133
Days Since Last Run:
71
Verdict
Won this last season off 4 lb lower. No show in 4 starts since but no surprise if he bounced back in a change of headgear after a break.
8. Mostly Sunny
J: Tristan DurrellT: Dan Skelton
F: 24920575
Price History:
-
Age:
6
Weight:
10-2
Gear:
cheekpieces
Official Rating:
109
Days Since Last Run:
31
Verdict
A 3-time winner on the Flat who struck twice over hurdles for Dan Skelton at the start of the season. Hasn't offered much in 4 starts since returning from a break but his mark has eased further and latest run was at least a step back in the right direction.
6. Getalead
J: Lewis SaundersT: Kevin Pickard
F: 4-P118156
Price History:
-
Age:
9
Weight:
10-10
Gear:
cheekpieces and tongue strap
Official Rating:
117
Days Since Last Run:
113
Verdict
Posted 3 wins in October/November but the handicapper was in charge by the end of 2024. First run for 113 days.
9. Kells Priory
J: James DaviesT: Louise G. Lyons, Ireland
F: 323/1080P
Price History:
-
Age:
8
Weight:
10-2
Gear:
blinkers
Official Rating:
109
Days Since Last Run:
87
Verdict
Latest win in hurdle at Killarney in July but has struggled since. Change of headgear.