The Ladbrokes Intermediate Hurdle is the new name for what was formerly known as the Gerry Fielden Hurdle, and now forms part of the Ladbrokes Winter Carnival, a two-day meeting at Newbury which takes place on Saturday 2 of December. The race is a Listed Limited Handicap Hurdle run over 2 miles and 69 yards, and past winners have included popular horses such as Lanzarote, Kribensis, Large Action, Bacchanal and Rock On Ruby.
Ladbrokes Intermediate Hurdle Trends
- The last 10 winners have been aged 4 to 7, with 5 winners aged 4
- Winners have carried between 10-4 and 11-10, with 7 winners carrying 10-13 or less
- Winner have been rated between 117 and 145, with 8 winners rated 134 or less
- SP’s of the last 10 winners have ranged from 9/4 to 16/1, with 7 of the last 8 winners returned 9/2 or less
- Nicky Henderson has trained 3 of the last 8 winners, and 6 of the last 18 winners
Ladbrokes Intermediate Hurdle Contenders
Charli Parcs
Nicky Henderson trained 4-year-old who was highly-touted for last year’s Triumph Hurdle after winning his first two starts. However, after falling on his third start, he could only finish sixth in the Triumph. That means he could be potentially well-handicapped if he wasn’t at his best there, but will have to carry top-weight here.
Verdana Blue
Another Nicky Henderson trained horse, and this one was impressive in winning a handicap hurdle off 11-11 last time. Will have to shoulder another big-weight there, but jumped well when ridden by Nico de Boinville for the first time, and he’s already booked to once again take the reins.
High Bridge
Third at Ascot in a big handicap on his seasonal debut, and that form is working out tremendously well with the first and second winning big-handicaps since, whilst Verdana Blue was behind in fifth. He’s also 4lb better off with Verdana Blue here, and this dual course winner should go close.
Mount Mews
Northern Raider who ran creditably when third giving two-stone to the two horses in front of him last time, and also ran well in graded company last season. Hard to tie his form in with some of rivals, but is probably better than his current mark.
Air Horse One
6-year-old who has had more races than many of his rivals, and therefore may not be open to as much improvement. However, every right to be on the premises after finishing in between High Bridge and Verdana Blue at Ascot.
Poppy Kay
Phillip Hobbs trained the winner two years ago, and looks to have laid this one out for the race after she won her prep-race at Newbury. Gets up to 10lb off those in front of her in the betting, and that may make the difference if she’s good enough.
Ladbrokes Intermediate Hurdle Summary
Horses carrying low-weights may have won 7 of the last 10 renewals, but it’s worth noting that horses carrying 11-10 have won 2 of the last 6 renewals, and winners have tended to be near the front of the market. That brings the Nicky Henderson trained Charli Parcs and Mount Mews into the equation but, having watched replays of the two races High Bridge has won over course and distance, he just gets the vote.
Ladbrokes Intermediate Hurdle Tip: High Bridge