Brain can have the answers
NEVER heard of the Wessex Youth Trust Handicap Hurdle (3.35 Ascot)? Think ‘The Ladbroke’ and all will become clear.
In its long history this valuable and prestigious race has thrown up some serious stats, which tell us today’s likely winner will fit these criteria: Aged from four to six. Carrying 10st 9lb or more.
In the first three last time out.
Run between four and 10 times over hurdles.
Had between two and four wins — no more than two in handicap company.
We are only left with a trio of contenders from a field of 19 — Who Dares Wins, Brain Power and Modus.
Two of the three won last time out, while Modus was runner-up in the massively influential Greatwood Hurdle at Cheltenham last month.
Who Dares Wins is the one to be passed up on the grounds he was busy on the Flat before going hurdling in early October and may not have as much improvement in him as the others.
MODUS was all the rage in the market here in October following a breathing operation during the summer and was beaten only threequarters of a length.
He followed up with a close second at Cheltenham last month and remains on a fair mark. His experience at today’s track is also a positive. Have 2pts win at 9-1 with Paddy Power.
BRAIN POWER deserves to be entrusted with the same bet at 14-1 generally having idled when winning at Sandown a fortnight ago.