1m7½f (1m7f152y) Betfair Exchange Trophy (A Handicap Hurdle) (Grade 3) (GBB Race) (Class 1) (4yo+)
If there’s a Grade 1 horse in this race it’s probably Buzz, the second favourite for Nicky Henderson. He boasts course form but has to defy an 11lb hike in the weights and has been outpaced over two miles before, perhaps wanting further. Not So Sleepy is probably going to go a good gallop in this and we know he’ll stay the trip in heavy ground, so I wouldn’t be too keen on anything that’s held up off the pace as it’ll be a tall order to pass horses. Alan King’s runner ISOLATE is totally unexposed after effortless wins the last twice and his 5lb hike up to 128 looks very workable as he sneaks in off bottom weight. Every pound will count on very soft ground and, crucially, he’s quite keen going and is likely to be up on the pace. At 18/1 with six places offered each-way he looks the best bet in the race as it’s very unlikely we’ve seen the best of him. If it wasn’t for the Tizzard yard’s awful form, Master Debonair would be a huge price at 28/1 as he’s another with Champion Hurdle aspirations.
1pt each-way Isolate @18/1, 15:35 Ascot, Saturday (1-6, 1/5 Betfair Sportsbook)
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