Special Catch has some strong form to his name and looks worth siding with at 14/1 in the 2.55 at Kempton today.
Keith Reveley’s charge has won three of his 10 starts over hurdles and ran a blinder at Aintree last year when staying on strongly to finish fifth of 22 to Cockney Sparrow off a mark of 126.
The gelding also ran well on his seasonal reapperance at the same venue when fourth to Karinga Dancer before putting in a huge run to finish third of 12 to More Of That in a strong class 2 handicap hurdle at Haydock over 2m 4f.
The seven-year-old kept on well that day to be beaten 3 1/4 lengths off a mark of 125, and the winner – who was rated 137 at the time – has won his next two starts and was rated 160 before landing the World Hurdle at the Cheltenham Festival on Thursday.
That is rock solid form in the context of this contest, and the selection has since gone on to land a handicap hurdle at Haydock off 129 before finishing a solid third behind Runswick Royal in the Grade 2 Morebattle Hurdle at Kelso.
Although he now has to race off a career-high mark of 135 that shouldn’t be beyond him on the pick of his form and he looks the type who could have even more to offer.
Daily Sport recommended bet: 2pts each-way Special Catch (14/1 BetVictor – BOG)