John Smith's Hurdle 2010

2.50 Wetherby
John Smith's Hurdle (Registered As The West Yorkshire Hurdle) (Grade 2) (Class 1) (4YO plus)
Winner £18,528

Pick: Duc De Reginere (win)

Fair Along: Romped home in this race by 18 lengths last year, but unlike two seasons ago, he lost his form badly since; This a new season though and he’s got to be the one to beat, even under a penalty.

Tidal Bay: Looked to be similar to Big Bucks in the way that he was reverting to hurdles after losing a bit of form over fences; Won the Cleeve Hurdle on his first start over hurdles for about 2 seasons but then ran a shocker in World Hurdle; Not much better in Liverpool Hurdle in all honesty but will take all the beating on a good day.

Blazing Bailey: Looked set to make real waves at the top of the staying hurdle tree when winning Ladbrokes World Hurdle three years ago; Has since failed to really get into form, but freshness may help on seasonal debut.

Coastley: Winning pointer/hunter chaser who thrived over hurdles in the spring, winning at Sedgefield and Kelso; This too tough.

Duc De Reginere: Posted very taking success in Logn Distnace Hurdle last season and followed up with a remote but good second in the Long Walk; Since made hay over fences, (winning twice) but versatile enough and holds big chance here t weighted.

Kayf Aramis: Has been put into Graded company since winning the Pertemps Final in 2009, and has performed admirably, never disgracing himself in process; Fit from flat, the trip should suit, the ground should suit, and may not be too far away with yard flying this month.

Majestic Mayhem: Successful on his first 2 starts over hurdles (both at Hexham) but had gone off the boil since and this too hard on all evidence.

Raslan: Won valuable handicap for second successive season at Newton Abbot in August, and has backed that up with good performances both starts since, which is unusual for him; Has a lot on him to land this outside of handicap company.

VERDICT: Fair Along will take all the beating in this race if he turns up anywhere near the form he was last season in this, while Tidal Bay is easily good enough to land this on his best form, but both will find it very hard to give 11lbs to DUC DE REGINERE, who’s versatile enough to make this switch to hurdles work on his seasonal return. Kayf Aramis can run well with conditions in his favour.