totescoop6 Hurdle (Registered As The Rendlesham Hurdle)

2.45 Haydock
totescoop6 Hurdle (Registered As The Rendlesham Hurdle) (Grade 2) (Class 1) (4YO plus)
Winner £18,528

Pick: Bensalem (win)

Any Given Day: Took well to hurdling last term and made full use of race fitness when runaway winner of Silver Trophy at Chepstow; Good fourth in Greatwood and excelled himself when second in the Reelkeel and when behind Oscar Whiskey (gave weight); Looks sure to run a big race here.

Cross Kennon: Has been in great form this season, winning well at Cheltenham before travelling very nicely when being brought down next time; Ran a cracker behind Mr Moonshine in the Pertemps Qualifier and not discounted here.

Bensalem: Pushed Diamond Harry close over hurdles 2 seasons ago and continued in largely the same vein over fences last season, despite jumping errors (fell when traveling really well in the William Hill Chase); storming effort to be second to Quevga at the Punchestown Festival and very good reappearance after illness when fifth in the Cleeve, travelling well before being unable to go with Grands Crus for fitness; Has a big chance here.

Chief Dan George: Very useful over fences 2 season ago (smart hurdler in his time too) and stepped forward massively to win Veteran’s Handicap Chase at Doncaster and then William Hill Chase at Festival; Brave efforts both times but set to struggle again.

Kayf Aramis: Has been put into Graded company since winning the Pertemps Final in 2009, and has performed admirably since, never disgracing himself in process; Ran solid race when second behind Fair Along and sure to give it his best shot.

Mr Moonshine: Has been extremely progressive this season, winning small event by wide margin before coming third behind Nicene Creed and Cue Card; Has a lot more on here than when winning wide margin even and while unexposed, is badly in with Cross Kennon.

VERDICT: Any Given Day has a big chance and should make a bold bid from the front but BENSALEM ran a cracker before suffering for fitness in the Cleeve Hurdle and should go really well here.