The Lanzarote Hurdle (Saturday 13 January, 2.40) is a Listed Handicap Hurdle run over 2 miles and 5 furlongs at Kempton. It was first run in 1978, and was named after the 1974 Champion Hurdler and two-time Christmas Hurdler winner Lanzarote. It’s most famous winner is arguably Tea For Two, who went on to win the Kauto Star Novices’ Chase in 2015, and finished third in the 2017 King George Chase.
10-Year-Trends
- Winners have been rated from 123 to 145
- Winners have carried between 9-12 and 11-7
- 6 of the 10 winners have been 6-year-olds
- Nick Williams has trained 3 of the last 7 winners
- Paul Nicholls has trained 2 of the last 4 winners
- Two favourites and one joint-favourite have won
- SP’s of the winners have ranged from 7/4 to 20/1, but the last 9 winners were all returned in single-figures
Main Contenders
Diese Des Bieffes
Won his first two starts over hurdles for trainer Nicky Henderson, and was by no means disgraced when 5-lengths second to the high-class If The Cap Fits over 2-miles at Kempton over Christmas. The way he rallied late-on that day also suggested he should be well-suited to stepping-up in trip, and Henderson trained the winner of both the 2003 and 2013 editions.
Topofthegame
Always considered a chaser by Paul Nicholls but, after falling on his chasing debut, he would be of major interest if running for a stable who has won 2 of the last 4 renewals. Already proven at the trip on a right-handed course, the form of his runner-up finish behind Beyond Conceit last season has been boosted by wins by the third, fourth and fifth since.
Bags Groove
Won his last two races in taking style and could still be improving. However, he has probably shown his hand to the handicapper more than a few of his opponents, and will do well to beat them all off his new highest-ever mark.
River Frost
Dual course winner off marks of 123 and 133, but struggled to cut it when the handicapper put him up to 143 afterwards. The handicapper has relented a little, but the form of those wins hasn’t been boosted since, and hopes may hinge on Kempton bringing out the best of him again.
William Henry
Impressive 17-length winner of a bumper at Kempton on only previous visit, and also put up some excellent performances over hurdles. Pulled-up on chasing debut when last seen in November and, though it’s hard to know what form he’s in, he has plenty of class if at his best.
Golan Fortune
Course and distance winner off 123 last time, which was a quick reappearance after winning off the same mark at Ascot 4 days earlier. Handicapper has had his say since, but this improving six-year-old could yet find more improvement.
Summary
The last 9 winners have all been returned at single-figure odds, and Diese Des Bieffes and Topofthegame both standout as horses who are relatively unexposed. The ground, which should dry-up to good-to-soft by race time, is also expected to suit both horses. Therefore, as its Paul Nicholls who has trained the winners of 2 of the last 4 renewals, Topofthegame is just preferred.
2018 32Red Lanzarote Hurdle Tip: Topofthegame