The Ladbroke (Handicap Hurdle) History and Trends
Ladbrokes sponsored Ireland’s most valuable handicap hurdle, the former Irish Sweeps Hurdle, at Leopardstown from 1987 until the turn of the century. But, in 2001, effectively began backing an identical contest at Ascot, which has quickly become established as a pre-Christmas treat.
It is now a Grade 3 handicap, open to horses aged four years or older and run over a distance of two miles. Only one four-year-old has ever won it, Cause Of Causes in 2012, with five-year-olds doing best. That age group has claimed six of the 10 renewals (it’s been been called off four times) with only one six-year-old and one seven-year-old being successful.
Nicky Henderson has trained the winner three times and Irish handler Gordon Elliott twice. Henderson doesn’t have a runner this year but Elliott saddles Vercingetorix – don’t be put off by his general 33/1 quote as his trainer’s two winners have started at 25/1 and 14/1.
There is a very strong Irish challenge this year with four different stables represented. Champion trainer Willie Mullins runs two, Renneti and Noble Inn, but the former has a bit to find with Waxies Dargle on Cheltenham form. Eddie Harty saddles Punchestown winner Sort It Out, who was second in the County Hurdle at Cheltenham in March on his only previous run in the UK – he could be worth a second look at 14/1 with bet365.
Nothing separated Jolly’s Cracked It and Unanimite behind Nabucco at Ascot in October and they meet again on identical terms. But punters and bookmakers expect Harry Fry’s charge to come out on top this time as he’s only a best 5/1 while the David Pipe runner is 25/1 with Coral. Jolly’s Cracked It has never finished out of the first two at Ascot so must be on the short-list while Winner Massagot looked much improved when beating another of this weekend’s rivals, Rayvin Black, at the track last month and has also attracted each-way support. Sternrubin is on a hat-trick but I’m very interested in the two Dan Skelton runners.
Skelton sent out the winner in 2013 and had the well-backed fourth last year. Harry rides Elite Hurdle third Zarib (16/1 with Coral) but HURRICANE HOLLOW is reunited with 5lb claimer Bridget Andrews for the first time since the partnership took a competitive affair at Cheltenham in April. The five-year-old’s ability to stay further should be an asset in a race that’s always run at a good gallop and there is nothing wrong with his latest third at Chepstow – the general 16/1 has to be a bit of value.
The Ladbroke Current Selected Best Odds
Jolly’s Cracked It and Winner Massagot (5/1), Renneti, Sternrubin and Waxies Dargle (12/1), Sort It Out (14/1), Zarib, Hurricane Hollow and Some Plan (16/1), Noble Inn and Devilment (20/1)
