Last Ran: 20th December 2008

World Hurdle hopefuls line up on Saturday for the 2008 BGC Long Walk Hurdle at Ascot racecourse. This race is renowned for clues to which horses will shine at the Cheltenham Festival next year.

Nicky Henderson has a duo of Punchestowns and Duc De Regniere. Punchestowns was last seen winning at Cheltenham under top weight in November after a seven month break. He looked very impressive and the race was never in doubt from the start. He steps up here in distance and although an improver he faces his toughest task to date. He looks set to run a good race but there must be a question mark over whether he will be first home in such a top notch field.

Duc De Regniere won the Long Distance hurdle last time out at Newbury in November beating both Blazing Bailey, Pettifour and Mobaasher home resulting in him shortening for the World Hurdle. He can win here but is once again up against stiff competiton and one must question whether there is value in the odds currently available.

Alan King rest his hopes on Blazing Bailey and Franchoek. The former struggled in the Long Distance hurdle making some jumping errors to come a disappointing fourth. He was running without blinkers that day, whether that hindered his performance remains to be seen. Word is that he is working well again at home and if his last race can be put down to a one off then he is worth considering especially at the odds available.

Another interesting prospect has got to be Pettifour, trained by Nigel Twiston Davies. Third in the Long Distance Hurdle and a winner in front of Mobaasher previously at Wetherby. One that is improving with every run and looks to have a bright future. If you are looking for one a bit further down the market then Pettifour could be a great each way bet here.