RACE IN FOCUS - The Betfair Hurdle (Schweppes, Tote trophy) Newbury 9th Feb 2013

[Primevil]

Less than 3 weeks until "the best" 2 mile hurdle in the NH calendar IMO. I love this race, as you really do have to dig deep to work this one out. Trends say that 5 6 and 7 yo have hit the lions share, with 2 8yo and 1 9 yo winning in the 32 years. I still call it the schwepps, for all us old barstewards. Nicky Henderson targets this race, in numbers, 4 winners and several placed. He without a doubt is the first port of call. I had the pleasure of seeing "make a stand" bully his rivals into submission in 1997 under Chris Maude(11-06), on his way to Champion hurdle success the same year, what a tank he was. The winner has to be close to champion hurdle class, or completely missed by the handicapper. Celestial Halo is top weight on 161, he may be there as a decoy for the weights. The top few in the betting My Tent or yours 9/2 Pearl swan 10/1 Cause of Causes 12/1 Cash and Go 12/1 Cotton Mill 14/1 Swing Bowler 14/1 16/1 Bar Lets have your thoughts on this great race...Mine later. TY

[Lodge]

Re: RACE IN FOCUS - The BETFAIR Hurdle(schwepps, tote trophy) 9th Feb 2013 I'm a big Pearl Swan fan - not sure whether i'll be backing it though. The fact it hasnt run since falling at Cheltenham last year is the concern but i quite fancy it to go well in this and then the champion hurdle.