Adam Williams presents his prediction for the Ascot Howden Long Walk Hurdle (Grade 1, 3m½f, 4yo+) horse racing event.
Strong Leader kicked off this season with a victory in the Coral Long Distance Hurdle at Newbury, living up to his status as the favourite. He wrapped up last season with a win in the Liverpool Hurdle at Aintree, following a third-place finish in the Cleeve Hurdle, where he narrowly lost to Grand National winner Noble Yeats and Paisley Park. Prior to this, Olly Murphy's charge competed over 2m4½f and shorter distances with less impressive results.
The Wallpark is currently on an unbeaten streak of four races. Last time out, he clinched victory in the Pertemps Network Handicap Hurdle over 3 miles. Despite a lacklustre start to the season, here's hoping he continues the streak, and we're backing him to win at 5/2 on bet365.
Shoot First returned after a two-year break, securing fifth in a Handicap Hurdle at Galway, and then surprisingly won the Stayers' Handicap Hurdle at Haydock, upsetting the favourite One Big Bang. It's quite challenging to predict if he can maintain this success, but he seems to enjoy the distance.
Last year's winner of this race, Crambo, has yet to start this season. Following his triumph here, he delivered below-par performances at Cheltenham and Aintree. It's yet to be seen whether he can reclaim his former glory.
Hiddenvalley Lake is not often seen on the track. Last season, he had a hectic schedule with just three starts. He fell in his first race but went on to win the William Hill Boyne Hurdle (Grade 2) and later finished third in the Liverpool Hurdle behind Strong Leader. He hasn't started this season yet, but we believe he could well put up a strong challenge.
Blueking d'Oroux finished fifth here a year ago, which was his only outing over 3 miles. Earlier last season, he won twice, including the Coral Hurdle (Grade 2) also at Ascot. He began this season with a second-place finish in the Howden Ascot Hurdle (Grade 2), losing by a length. It's unlikely he'll achieve greater success than last year.
The only mare in the race, Kateira, claimed victory in the William Hill Handicap Hurdle at Aintree in mixed company. This season, she faced geldings, finishing third in the bet365 Hurdle (Grade 2) before winning the Mares' Hurdle (Listed). It's going to be tough for her to aim for a win in this company.
