It looks a Bridge too far for Pauling’s rivals in Betfair Hurdle

HIGH BRIDGE (nap) is fancied to shrug off a share of top weight to lift the Betfair Hurdle (3.35, ITV4) at Newbury today.

Ben Pauling’s seven-year-old, a progressive novice hurdler last winter, ran a cracker on his reappearance when third to Elgin at Ascot in November.

And, ridden by this afternoon’s pilot, top amateur Alex Ferguson, he stepped up on that effort to beat Charli Parcs in a valuable handicap hurdle on the Ladbrokes Trophy undercard over this course and distance at the start of December.

That victory was the son of Monsun’s third from as many visits to Royal Berkshire, and Pauling (left) said: “He’s in great form.

“He’s got top weight of 11st 12lb — so Alex Ferguson’s claim will come in very handy — and his record at the track speaks for itself.”

Gloucestershire-based Pauling’s horses are carrying all before them at present and, with only six starts over obstacles to his name, my selection should have much more to offer.

High Bridge can defy a 7lb rise up the handicap to pocket the £88k first prize.

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