Let’s raise a glass to Spirit

FIRST run in 1963, Newbury’s Betfair Hurdle is one of THE major trends races in the jumps calendar.

And we can pinpoint our likely winner by sticking to the stats from the past decade:

■ Carrying 11st 6lb or less

■ Rated no lower than 130.

■ Aged five or six.

■ Finished in first three last time out.

■ Raced in past 60 days.

Given that lightly raced improvers are the way to go we’re happy with the five horses who remain — Kalashnikov, Spirit of the games, Lalor,

Irish Roe and Silver Streak. Lalor is a maiden over hurdles and others should be stronger at the finish.

Irish Roe has only had a fortnight to get over an epic battle with Maria’s Benefit at Doncaster, while being a mare is against her as only Mysilv in 1995 is on the race’s roll of honour.

Silver Streak looks vulnerable having gone up 3lb for being beaten by Hunters Call at Ascot last time.

Bridget Andrews’ mount SPIRIT OF THE GAMES is worth 2pts each-way at 25-1 with several firms in firsttime cheekpieces.

He has a decent turn of foot as does KALASHNIKOV, who could prove to be far better than this opening hurdle mark and looks an ideal type.

Have 2pts win at 12-1 generally.

PLAYER Spiritofthegames