Crambo is set to take on nine rivals in his bid to win the Long Walk Hurdle for the second year in a row at Ascot on Saturday.
Fergal O’Brien’s stable star, who broke through at the highest level in last season’s renewal before flopping at the spring festivals, faces a challenge to repeat the feat on reappearance, however.
Strong Leader brings the best form to the table having struck in last term’s Grade 1 Liverpool Hurdle and, crucially, has race fitness on his side after a facile success in the Long Distance Hurdle on his return to the track last month.
Gordon Elliott sends an interesting contender across the Irish Sea in the form of winning machine The Wallpark to see if he can mix it in better company less than three weeks after being purchased by JP McManus.
Eagle Fang, Hiddenvalley Lake and Shoot First also make the journey over from Ireland for Saturday’s 14:25.
The latest Long Walk Hurdle odds are on the Paddy Power website and Paddy Power app, otherwise Timeform’s guide to the runners as well as betting tips from the racing boffins can be found below.
Long Walk Hurdle 2024 verdict
Timeform: STRONG LEADER hasn’t looked back since sent over staying trips and with his yard well among the winners too he rates a confident choice to bag a second Grade 1 here. Irish-raiders Hiddenvalley Lake and The Wallpark both arrive on the up and can ensure Olly Murphy’s high-class 7-y-o doesn’t have things all his own way though, with last year’s victor Crambo also in the picture.
*All prices are bang up to date with our snazzy widgets, while odds in copy are accurate at time of publishing but subject to change
Long Walk Hurdle 2024 runners and riders
The following horses have been declared for the Long Walk Hurdle 2024.
Beauport
Trainer: Nigel Twiston-Davies Jockey: Sam Twiston-Davies Age: 8 Weight: 11st 7lbs
A smart chaser on his day and he resumed with an easy success in 10-runner handicap chase here (29.4f) 28 days ago. This is his first run over hurdles since 2022 but he can’t be discounted.
***
Blueking d’Oroux
Trainer: Paul Nicholls Jockey: Harry Cobden Age: 5 Weight: 11st 7lbs
Smart hurdler who returned with a good second of 5 in Howden Ascot Hurdle here (19.3f) 28 days ago. Effective over this longer trip. Possibilities.
***
Botox Has
Trainer: Gary & Josh Moore Jockey: Caoilin Quinn Age: 8 Weight: 11st 7lbs
Smart hurdler bagged the Rendlesham Hurdle at Haydock in February. Not disgraced on his return when a fading tenth in 3m handicap at Cheltenham in October. Not dismissed.
***
Crambo
Trainer: Fergal O’Brien Jockey: Jonathan Burke Age: 7 Weight: 11st 7lbs
Took this contest 12 months ago but he failed to fire in the Stayers’ Hurdle at Cheltenham and Liverpool Hurdle at Aintree subsequently. Has twice won off a break before though so needs considering on his seasonal return.
***
Hiddenvalley Lake
Trainer: Henry de Bromhead Jockey: D. J. O’Keeffe Age: 7 Weight: 11st 7lbs
Lightly-raced Irish hurdler who was much improved last term, landing Grade 2 at Navan before an excellent third of 10 to Strong Leader in Liverpool Hurdle at Aintree in April. Sort to go on again this season. Likely player.
****
Shoot First
Trainer: Charles Byrnes Jockey: P. Byrnes Age: 8 Weight: 11st 7lbs
A very useful hurdler who reappeared with a career-best win in 15-runner handicap at Haydock (24.3f, heavy) 28 days ago. This demands another step forward though.
***
Strong Leader
Trainer: Olly Murphy Jockey: Sean Bowen Age: 7 Weight: 11st 7lbs
Much improved since sent over staying trips, bagging Grade 1 Liverpool Hurdle at Aintree in the spring and returning with a smooth success in 4-runner Long Distance Hurdle at Newbury 22 days ago. Big shout.
*****
The Wallpark
Trainer: Gordon Elliott Jockey: M. P. Walsh Age: 6 Weight: 11st 7lbs
Progressive Irish hurdler completed his four-timer in 12-runner handicap at Cheltenham (24f) in October, This is much tougher but he has more to offer so needs considering.
***
Eagle Fang
Trainer: William Durkan Jockey: Oakley Brown Age: 4 Weight: 11st 6lbs
Smart winning hurdler comes here on the back of an improved third of 8 in Grade 2 Lismullen Hurdle at Navan (20.2f) 35 days ago. No forlorn hope now his stamina is drawn out further.
***
Kateira
Trainer: Dan Skelton Jockey: Harry Skelton Age: 7 Weight: 11st 0lbs
Signed off for last season with success in valuable 20f handicap hurdle at Aintree and comes here on the back of a ready victory in Listed event at Kempton (2m5f) 26 days ago. Shortlisted.
***
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