15:35 Newbury – William Hill Hurdle (Premier Handicap) – A Case for Navajo Indy

This year’s William Hill Hurdle presents a fascinating puzzle, with a mix of seasoned handicappers and progressive types. The pace forecast suggests a strong gallop, which should benefit those who stay well and finish strongly. With that in mind, there’s value in taking on the prominent racers who may struggle to sustain their effort in such a relentless test.

The Strongest Contender – Navajo Indy (9/1 EW)

At first glance, Navajo Indy may not stand out as the most obvious candidate, but closer inspection suggests he’s an ideal type for this race. His form is progressing steadily, and he has already shown himself well-suited to strongly run 2m handicaps.

Stamina assured: He won a valuable handicap at Newbury in November, seeing out the race powerfully over 16.3f on good to soft ground. That form has worked out well, and he was staying on when fourth behind Secret Squirrel at Windsor last time, shaping like he wanted an even stronger pace.

Pace to suit: With front-runners like Secret Squirrel, Josh The Boss, and King William Rufus likely to go forward, there’s every chance the leaders come back to the field late on. Gavin Sheehan is likely to sit in mid-division and pick them off late.

Ground a plus: He has already won on heavy ground and appears adaptable across a range of conditions, but soft conditions should help him settle and finish well.


At 9/1, he’s a solid each-way play in a race that should set up ideally for him.

Market Could Be Overlooking – Mirabad (12/1 EW)

The horse who might have snuck under the radar here is Mirabad, who has done very little wrong in recent starts and looks a steadily improving handicapper for Richard Newland.

Progressive profile: He won in good style at Cheltenham in December, travelling powerfully before kicking clear. Given how the race developed, that was an impressive performance, and it suggests he’s still ahead of the handicapper.

Strong closing speed: Sectional data from Cheltenham showed that he quickened in the final two furlongs in a race that was run at a solid pace—something that could prove valuable in this race.

Trainer in form: Newland’s runners have been going well in recent weeks, and Mirabad has been freshened up for this race.


At 12/1, he’s a lively outsider who should appreciate the way the race pans out.

Shortening Favourite – Secret Squirrel (9/2) Worth Taking On?

Secret Squirrel has been well-backed, but there are reasons to oppose him at a short price.

His best performances have come when dictating or sitting prominently, and with a fast pace almost certain, he might find himself softened up late on.

He carried a penalty to victory last time, but this is a deeper race, and he’s unlikely to get things his own way at the business end.


He remains progressive, but 9/2 looks short enough in a race with so many improving contenders.

Conclusion – A Strong Each-Way Angle

The market has placed significant faith in Secret Squirrel, but with several runners better suited to a strong pace scenario, it could be worth siding with Navajo Indy (9/1 EW) and Mirabad (12/1 EW), both of whom should be finishing strongly.

Wouldn’t be surprised if Navajo Indy takes this late with a well-timed challenge, while Mirabad could easily hit the frame at rewarding odds.