The Tolworth Hurdle (Saturday 6 January, 2.25) is a Grade 1 Hurdle run over 1 Mile 7 Furlongs and 216 Yards at Sandown. The race was first run in 1976, and its most famous winner is Desert Orchid who won the race in 1984.
32 Red Tolworth Hurdle 2018 – 10-Year-Trends
- Four winners have been aged 5, four winners have been aged 6, and two winners have been aged 7
- Nicky Henderson has trained 4 of the last 7 winners
- Paul Nicholls has Trained 3 of the last 10 winners
- Barry Geraghty has ridden 3 of the last 7 winners
- 6 of the last 10 favourites have been successful
- SP’s of the winners have ranged from 4/9 to 9/1
32 Red Tolworth Hurdle Odds
32 Red Tolworth Hurdle Main Contenders
Claimantakinforgan
Ran some great races in the top bumpers last season, but looks destined for much better things over hurdles after winning both his races over them. Looked an absolute natural jumper both times and, having easily brushed aside a 139-rated horse last time, it will take a good one to lower his colours. He’s also trained by Nicky Henderson, who has won this race 4 times in the last 7 years.
Western Ryder
Was a very similar standard as Claimantakingforgan in bumpers, finishing just behind him at the Cheltenham Festival, before exacting his revenge at Aintree. Fell on his first run over hurdles, but has made up for that error since with two victories. Seemed to relish a soft surface at Cheltenham last-time, when he stayed on powerfully, and it will be interesting to see whether that staying-power is enough for him to keep tabs on the slick jumping Claimtakinforgan.
Kalashnikov
They’ll be a few headlines suggesting Kalashnikov may gun down the opposition, and he’s certainly not without hope having remained unbeaten in a bumper and two hurdle races. He’s been especially impressive over hurdles, winning both races by 10-lengths, and would be a shorter-price if trained by a big stable rather than Miss Amy Murphy.
Mont Des Avaloirs
Won 2 of his 4 races and, after falling at Wincanton, he made amends by winning at Aintree. That was only a 3-runner race though and, if he jumps left as he did there, he may find it difficult to beat some good horses around right-handed Sandown.
Sussex Ranger
Only won once on the flat, and was rated 76 in that sphere. However, this strapping son of Hat-Trick has quickly made up into a fine hurdler with wide-margin wins at Fontwell and over course and distance. They were on decent ground, but only flat win came on soft. His stable, who often send their better runners here, remain in good form. However, he’s only a 4-year-old, and no 4-year-old has won the race since 1999.
We Have A Dream
A second possible runner for Nicky Henderson, and this one has impressed in winning both his starts over hurdles. Interesting if he takes his place in the line-up and Claimantakinforgan doesn’t.
Our 32 Red Tolworth Hurdle 2018 Betting Tip, Prediction & Preview
I’m a big fan of Claimantakinforgan but, as Nicky Henderson has other options, this may be a good opportunity for Miss Amy Murphy to train a Grade 1 winner. Kalasknikov has certainly gunned down the opposition in his 3 runs so far – and he looks each-way value to do so again.
Tip: Kalashnakov @