A competitive field lines up for this renewal of the BET365 Handicap Hurdle, run over 2m 3f 173y on good ground. With the pace forecast to be even, a tactical race could develop, favouring those with an ability to travel smoothly and quicken late.

Strongest Contender

Mostly Sunny (Adjusted Rating: 147)
Harry Skelton’s mount comes here just five days after a decisive win at Plumpton, where he travelled strongly and put the race to bed with authority. A 6 lb penalty is offset by his career-best performance and a trainer in top form. With a 41% strike rate aboard hurdling favourites, Skelton’s presence boosts confidence. Mostly Sunny also boasts last-time-out fitness — a critical factor at this time of year when others might be winding down.

Timeform comment: “Looked right back to his best when winning at Plumpton and can defy a 6 lb penalty for title-chasing Dan Skelton.”

---

Main Dangers

Jump Allen (Adjusted Rating: 144)
Willie Mullins doesn’t send runners across lightly, and Jump Allen has been consistent, finishing second on his latest start at Ayr. He stays well and acts on good ground, and notably, Mullins boasts a 24% strike rate with hurdlers over this distance range in Britain. Worth respecting, although Mullins has not yet landed this particular contest.

Push The Button (Adjusted Rating: 145)
Nigel Twiston-Davies’ grey showed promise when sixth at Aintree, staying on strongly despite the trip stretching him. With an even pace forecast, he could find conditions to suit better today. He’s a strong stayer at this trip and is considered a lively each-way player.

Ike Sport (Adjusted Rating: 146)
The defending champion, Ike Sport, returns after shaping with promise at Aintree earlier this month. Neil Mulholland’s gelding won this race last year at 22/1 and carries just a 1 lb higher Timeform adjusted figure today. With a proven liking for the course and conditions, he cannot be discounted lightly.

Got Grey (Adjusted Rating: 145)
An improving sort for Dan Skelton, Got Grey arrives on the back of a good second at Haydock. He is still learning but trades at shorter odds when things go his way, suggesting there’s more to come. With fitness assured and steady progress shown, he’s another to bear in mind for each-way purposes.

---

Trends to Watch

• Last Year’s Winner Returns: Ike Sport won this race in 2024 and bids to defend his title, a notable positive in handicaps where course experience counts heavily.
• Recent Form Key: Mostly Sunny and Got Grey have both run within the past week, a major advantage against some rivals returning from longer breaks.
• Market Watch:
  Horses returning after a break — notably King Alexander (45 days) and Peacenik (74 days) — should be closely monitored in the market. Significant drifts would be a concern for their fitness today.

---

Trainer Insight

• Willie Mullins has a strong general record with hurdlers over intermediate trips in Britain but has yet to win this race.
• Neil Mulholland (Ike Sport) won this race last year, which offers a major tick in the box for Ike Sport’s chances.

---

Summary

Mostly Sunny looks the horse to beat following a career-best win earlier this week and carries fitness and momentum into this race. Main threats include the proven course specialist Ike Sport, the progressive Got Grey, the tough Push The Button, and the Mullins-trained Jump Allen, whose trainer’s strike rate with similar types adds further intrigue.

For those seeking longer shots, market moves will tell plenty about the chances of King Alexander and Peacenik.