This Class 2 handicap hurdle looks an interesting betting heat, with a mix of progressive and exposed types. The market has latched onto Panic Attack (13/8) and Act of Authority (15/8) as the most likely winners, but there are reasons to believe Shanagh Bob (9/2) could be the value play, while the underrated Irish Hill (13/2) has a more solid chance than his odds suggest.

Panic Attack – Deserves Favouritism, But Not Without Risk

Dan Skelton’s mare looked in superb form when easily landing a handicap chase at Windsor last time, cruising home by five lengths. That was her first run after a long absence, and while she remains on the same mark over hurdles, it’s notable that she’s never been the most consistent type. Her best hurdle form was over 3m, so this drop to 2m5f on soft ground may not be ideal, especially if this turns tactical. She’s won on various surfaces, and the 42% strike rate for Skelton on hurdling favourites is a positive, but at the price, there’s little room for error.

Act of Authority – Strong Form, But Conditions Could Be Against Him

Olly Murphy’s runner had been progressive before finishing fourth at Aintree in a competitive race, where he was slightly outpaced before keeping on. His two prior wins at Sandown and Wetherby came on better ground, and he was held up both times, making smooth headway. A steadier pace on softer ground could count against him here, as he’s most effective off a strong gallop. At 15/8, there’s a case for him being overbet considering the likely race setup.

Shanagh Bob – Market Overlooking a Key Angle

Nicky Henderson has a 24% strike rate at Warwick in recent years, and this lightly raced 7-year-old looks a serious contender. He finished 2¾ lengths second to Super Survivor at Huntingdon last time, and that race has worked out well. It’s easy to argue that the slow pace that day didn’t suit him, and he may get a similar scenario here, but what’s crucial is that he’s dropping back in trip after running at 2m7f+ in three of his last four races.

While some will see that as a negative, his best career run came when winning a Grade 2 novice over 3m at Cheltenham in 2023. That race was run at a solid gallop, and he produced an excellent turn of foot late on. If he can sit handier this time, his stamina edge could come into play in the closing stages, especially if others get outpaced in testing conditions.

At 9/2, he offers far more upside than the two at the head of the market and is the bet of the race.

Irish Hill – A Live Outsider at 13/2

One horse who looks underestimated by the market is Irish Hill. He has a consistent profile in these types of races, and his third at Ascot last time (beaten only ½ length) suggests he’s still improving. The winner of that race, East India Express, is well regarded, and Paul Nicholls rarely wastes entries in these Warwick handicaps.

He’s been running over shorter trips but stays further, so a truly run 2m5f on soft ground should be ideal. With a 5lb claimer reducing his burden, he could well run a bigger race than the market suggests.


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Final Thoughts & Bet Recommendations

Strongest Bet: Shanagh Bob (9/2) – Overpriced given form, trainer stats, and tactical versatility.
Each-Way Value: Irish Hill (13/2) – Consistent, stays well, and underrated.
Favourites Too Short? Panic Attack and Act of Authority have clear claims, but both have slight vulnerabilities in race conditions.

Shanagh Bob looks like a genuine value selection, while Irish Hill is a dangerous outsider in a winnable race.