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2007 Winner: Katchit; Trainer: Alan King; Age: 4; SP: 11/2f

Key trends:
With many of the no-hopers now diverted to the Fred Winter, this is far from the pin job of old, and class horses have come to the fore in the last four runnings. Discount anything that didn’t win last time or with at least two or more victories under their belt – those stats have applied to 13 of the last 14 winners. Four horses have completed the Adonis Hurdle – Triumph Hurdle double since 1994, which is a big pointer to this year’s ante post favourite Franchoek.

The contenders:
The Alan King-trained Franchoek (7/4 bet365) brings a high level of form into this race and rates a worthy favourite. His steely progression through a series of the best juvenile races, thoroughly proving himself at Cheltenham in the process, reads at least as well as his stablemate Katchit, who won this race 12 months ago. Celestial Halo (4/1 Boylesports) was a very smart stayer on the flat - beaten just over three lengths when seventh in the St Leger – and has looked an exciting recruit to hurdling. Five Dream (8/1 Paddy Power), Beau Michael (12/1 BetDirect) have shown plenty, while Silverhand (12/1 general) has huge potential.

The verdict:
All in all, Franchoek is a solid favourite, but his trainer doesn’t think he has the speed of Katchit and Celestial Halo looks well worth a bet to beat him. True, he will have to jump better than he did at Doncaster, but the Nicholls camp believe they have him spot on for this race, which has always been his target. His official rating was much higher than Franchoek on the flat and he can put that class to good use.

Betting advice:
BACK – Celestial Halo 2pt @ 4/1 Boylesports
LAY (Betfair) – Five Dream – Ruby Walsh prefers Celestial Halo and might find things happening a quick for him.

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