The Holloway Hurdle (Saturday 20 January) is a Limited Handicap Hurdle run over 2 Miles 3 Furlongs and 58 yards at Ascot. It was first run in 2008, and the most famous winner is two-time winner Lough Derg who carried top-weight to victory in 2008 and 2009. The other notable winner is Smad Place, who has won some high-profile races over hurdles and fences since.
8-Year-Trends
- Winners have been aged 5, 6, 8 and 9
- Winners have carried between 10-4 and 11-10
- Winners have been rated between 129 and 151
- David Pipe has trained 3 winners
- Tom Scudamore has ridden 2 winners
- SP’s of the winners have ranged from 11/2 to 40/1
Main Contenders
Kildisart
Well-fancied for a handicap hurdle at Kempton over the Christmas period for Ben Pauling, and found just one too good in finishing second. This race has the potential to be much harder though, but could still go well.
Crossed My Mind
Irish-trained horse who was sent-off favourite when running well when third at Sandown in December when behind another of Ben Pauling’s horses. Was staying on that day, so may be suited by stepping-up in trip, though didn’t run that well on only other try at a trip in excess of 2-miles.
Jenkins
Has always had a big reputation, but often disappointed. Won a weak race at Kempton last time but, having finished well-beaten behind Crossed My Mind at Sandown previously, he probably needs the extra distance to bring about further improvement, if he runs after only running last weekend.
William Henry
Defied top-weight to run out a comfortable winner of the Lanzarote Hurdle last weekend, and could again go well off top-weight if allowed to take his chance, but there must be a doubt after last week’s success.
Barters Hill
Injured on his chasing debut when last seen in November 2016 but, he has such a big-reputation, that he’s an interesting possible contender for Ben Pauling as he returns to hurdles.
Le Breuil
Yet another possible runner for Ben Pauling and, though it was disappointing that he was beaten by Black Ivory last time, that form took a massive boost when that horse won a very competitive hurdle at Warwick on Saturday.
Air Horse One
Disappointed last time in a lucrative hurdle race over 2-miles here at Ascot, but had previously run some cracking races against horses that have produced very strong form-lines this season. Also has plenty of form at this longer trip, including over course and distance, and could go well.
Summary
The Henderson-trained duo of William Henry and Jenkins would both have decent chances but, with major doubts about their participation, it may be Henderson’s former assistant trainer Ben Pauling who can take this prize. He has the option of saddling Kildisart and Barters Hill but, with La Breuil’s form getting a big boost at weekend, he looks the value-play.
Ascot Spring Garden Show Holloway’s Handicap Hurdle 2018 Tip: La Breuil