3.35 Wincanton
Bathwick Tyres Kingwell Hurdle (Grade 2) (Class 1) (4YO plus)
Winner £34,170
Advice: 3 pts win Raya Star w/o Zarkandar (11/10 Bet Victor)
Balder Succees: Never saw the best of him as he fell at
Cheltenham and Punchestown Festivals but there was plenty to like about him
beforehand, winning three starts on the bridle including demolition of older
horses at Ascot in Febuary; Not the same horse this season despite impressive
win against own age group after 3rd to Zarkandar here.
Celesital Halo: Had made a comeback of sorts last year,
impressive winner of Elite Hurdle and then valuable handicap/Grade 2 before
second in this last year; First run since coming ninth in the Champion Hurdle
and likely to need it. 
Zarkandar: Never quite got going last season, coughing after
Betfair Hurdle win and then finding Champion Hurdle too slowly run (fell at
Aintree); Had no such problems this season, winning Elite Hurdle here in good style
giving 17lbs to useful stablemate and then using edge in fitness to beat Grandouet
and Rock On Ruby at Cheltehham in International; Should find this much easier. 
Raya Star: Not stopped improving since the beginning of last
year and handicapper no more after Christmas Hurdle second to Darlan, sticking
on for second despite being the first under pressure in what was a slowly run
race to begin with; Should go well here once again.
Khyber Kim: Former Champion Hurdle runner up (also won the
Aintree Hurdle in that season too) but disappointing every run since and off
for 680 days; Others preferred. 
Monte Cavallo: Impossible to make a case for.
VERDICT: This should be won well by ZARKANDAR, who looks
stronger and healthier than last season when a slow pace by Festival standards
didn’t help him in the Champion Hurdle; This time around a different horse can
be expected and he’s shown plenty of reason to be thought of as a viable
contender. Raya Star can be second and looks to be strong value in the w/o
market.
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