The Ballymore Leamington Novices’ Hurdle (Saturday 13 January, 3.00) is a Grade 2 Hurdle run over a trip of 2 Miles 5 furlongs at Warwick Racecourse, and there are eleven hurdles to be jumped. The race was first run in 2002, and the most noteworthy winner is The New One. Other notable winners include Carruthers who went on to win a Hennessey, and Thomas Hobson who has since won at Royal Ascot.
10-Year-Trends
- Only 3 of the last 10 favourites have won
- The last 8 winners have been aged either 5 or 6
- Emma Lavelle has trained 2 of the last 9 winners
- SP’s of the winners have ranged from 8/13 to 8/1
Main Contenders
Count Meribel
Won 3 novice hurdles this season, but the form of those hasn’t really been boosted since. Also beaten last time by a horse who could only finish third next time. Officially the third-highest rated horse in the field but, though his trainer Nigel Twiston-Davis has won this race with The New One, this one is unlikely to match that one’s heights.
Calett Mad
Also trained by Nigel Twiston-Davis, and looked an improved animal when winning two 3-mile novice hurdles in September and October. Disappointed when well-backed back to this trip last time and, though he disappointed, that has proved one of the best novice hurdles run this season.
Chooseyourweapon
Won 2 from 2 novice hurdles for Evan Williams at Chepstow, and looks sure to be suited by a further step-up in trip. The form of his wins has taken a couple of knocks though, with the runner-ups both beaten further next time.
Paisley Park
Interestingly ran in his bumper here, when well-backed before getting beat by a 50/1 shot. Had just the one run over hurdles, but impressed in beating a long odds-on favourite by 7-lengths, who in turn was well clear of the third. He’s also trained by Emma Lavelle, who looks sure to have targeted this race having been the only winner to have won it twice in the last 10-years.
Equus Secretus
Won his first two starts on good ground for last year’s winning trainer Ben Pauling. However, he was a big disappointment last time when upped in class on Cheltenham. Soft ground could be to blame for that lacklustre effort, but could face a similar challenge here.
Knight In Dubai
Trained by local trainer Dan Skelton and, having disappointed over 2-miles when favourite for a novice hurdle at Sedgefield, he made amends when winning over this trip at Wetherby. Form probably not that strong, but runner-up has won since.
Summary
Both Nigel Twiston-Davis, Dan Skelton and Ben Pauling have trained winners of recent renewals, and the likes of Count Meribel, Calett Mad, Equus Secretus and Knight In Dubai all have chances. However, it’s Emma Lavelle who is the only trainer to have won the race twice, and it’s interesting that her Paisley Park was introduced at Warwick in a bumper, and was also good enough to beat an odds-on chance last time.
Ballymore Leamington Novices’ Hurdle Tip: Paisley Park