Betfair Exchange Handicap Hurdle, Ascot, 19th Dec

[The Brigadier]

I will be doing a full preview of this race over the next two days when the 5 day declarations are made Monday lunchtime but there's a horse I like in the race whom I think is currently overpriced and worth backing now as I can only see his price shorten. The horse in question is the Harry Fry trained Lightly Squeeze. A three time winner last season in the mud (Ascot's ground is currently soft with a wet forecast) he re-appeared in the Welsh Champion Hurdle at Ffos Las back in October when running well to the last before cutting out (through lack of fitness or his wind cutting out which I'll get to later) eventually trailing in  7th place beaten some 19l by the winner Sceau Royal who's gone on finish placed in both the Fighting Fifth (to Champion Hurdle favourite Epatante) and Saturday's International Hurdle. In second place that day was Ballyandy who's been placed in the Greatwood Hurdle and International Hurdle since, 3rd was Buzz who bolted up in a Ascot handicap Hurdle and is currently 5/1 favourite for this race but has been re-assessed and Lightly Squeeze can re-oppose on 15lb better terms for 16 lengths but is four times the price. The 5th, 6th and even 8th Ecco have all won since and it is the best piece of handicap hurdle form seen this NH season.

In a recent stable file in the Racing Post trainer Fry said that Lightly Squeeze had undergone a soft palate operation since Ffos Las which surely can only enhance his chances. I'm not privy to know whether he will stand his ground but seem no reason why he won't and advise an each way bet before he's cut in price.  It is a highly competitive handicap with the right favourite in Buzz but on the revised terms Lightly Squeeze looks way overpriced.

LIGHTLY SQUEEZE  1 point each way 20/1 Ladbrokes or Corals

[yossa6133]

Seems to have come in with most firms but I just got some 20/1 ew with Coral.

Actually think I got the last of the 20/1, 14's now ?

Edited December 14, 2020 by yossa6133