Saturday 26 April 2025 | 2m 5f 110y | Good ground | 6 runners

A small but select field lines up for this season’s renewal of the BET365 Select Hurdle, a Grade 2 contest that often throws up a talented type on the upgrade. With the going described as good and the pace forecast likely to be on the steady side, tactical speed and track position may prove decisive.

Strongest Contender: KITZBUHEL (Timeform Adjusted Rating 163p)

Representing the powerhouse stable of Willie Mullins, who took this race last year with Impaire Et Passe, Kitzbuhel sets the standard. He remains lightly raced after three starts for the yard, winning stylishly at Punchestown and Gowran before failing to stay a longer trip in the Liverpool Hurdle at Aintree. Now back to a more suitable 21 furlongs, he is expected to show his best form.
📌 Pertinent Timeform Comments: “Remains capable of better; back in trip should suit.”

With P. Townend operating at a 50% strike rate on hurdling favourites and Mullins targeting this meeting successfully before, connections inspire strong confidence.

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Main Dangers:

LUCKY PLACE (Timeform Adjusted Rating 160)

Nicky Henderson’s sturdy gelding was a smart winner of the Howden Ascot Hurdle and the Relkeel Hurdle earlier this season. However, his jumping fell apart in the Stayers’ Hurdle at Cheltenham last time.
📌 Pertinent Timeform Comments: “Let down by jumping at Cheltenham but remains a smart hurdler.”

Given Henderson’s record of three wins in the past ten renewals of this race, a return to calmer waters could easily bring about a bounce-back. He is likely to race prominently, although it is worth noting that he has traded very short in running before and not always seen it out strongly.

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SALVER (Timeform Adjusted Rating 162)

Although slightly below his best when third at Fontwell last time, this tall, progressive gelding from the Gary & Josh Moore stable is a lively player. A steady early pace could play to his strengths.
📌 Pertinent Timeform Comments: “Rare below-par effort last time; still progressive and should be suited by likely race shape.”

The Moores are adept at readying a horse for a late-season target, and Salver’s profile suggests he should not be underestimated, especially if attracting support in the betting.

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Other Notables:

• BLUEKING D’OROUX (159) – From Paul Nicholls, a trainer with four wins in this race’s last ten runnings. Was second to Lucky Place earlier this term but needs to bounce back from a rare poor effort at Fontwell.
• GWENNIE MAY BOY (156) – Smart type who impressed at Haydock in February but shaped as if amiss at Aintree. He returns relatively quickly and would need to better previous efforts to be involved.
• TAKE NO CHANCES (157) – Progressive mare but faces her toughest assignment to date and may find one or two too strong.

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Trends and Trainer Insights:

• Paul Nicholls and Nicky Henderson have strong records in this race.
• Willie Mullins took the prize last year and rarely misses when targeting valuable late-season UK hurdles.
• Horses returning after a short break (over 50 days) should be watched closely in the market — especially Blueking D’oroux and Salver — any significant drift could suggest fitness doubts.

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📋 Summary:

KITZBUHEL looks the one to beat back at a more suitable trip and with further improvement to come. Lucky Place is the obvious danger if putting his Cheltenham disappointment behind him, while Salver is a live outsider who could relish a tactical affair. Watch the betting closely for late clues, particularly regarding horses coming off breaks.