Racing: Graphic example of a handicap snip
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Your support makes all the difference.The former National Hunt jockey Steve Smith Eccles (right) gives a runner-by runner analysis of today's Tote Gold Trophy Handicap Hurdle.
Shooting Light: Has run well on his two outings this season but looks a little one-paced and would be suited by a longer trip.
Indefence: Ran well enough after a long lay-off in last month's Champion Hurdle Trial at Haydock. I could not be sure he has retained his original form.
Commanche Court: Consistent sort who handles any ground. He was a late withdrawal from the Ladbroke in Ireland after failing to shine on the home gallops but has a definite chance if he is back to his best.
Kerawi: Won the Christmas Hurdle at Kempton and looks the one most likely to prevent the Irish from taking the trophy back to the Emerald Isle. His trainer, Nigel Twiston-Davies, reports Kerawi in good form and he has to be in the first three.
Mr Percy: In good form, winning consecutive races at Cheltenham. Josh Gifford's horses are not setting the world alight but this horse could run well.
Bellator: Has not shown the form he is capable of this year, but if he did he might just spring a surprise.
Native-Darrig: Has not been seen out since the end of November when third to Star Rage in the Fighting Fifth Hurdle at Newcastle. I am afraid that form is not good enough.
Tibetan: Finished a decent seventh to Graphic Equaliser in the Ladbroke in Ireland last time and there is no reason to suggest he can reverse the form.
Sharpical: Usually held up for a late run and sure to be on the scene at the last. I am not convinced he is good enough, however.
Graphic Equaliser: A runaway winner of the Ladbroke at Leopardstown and picks up only a 4lb penalty. He looks a handicap snip to land another major prize.
Nahrawali: Well beaten in the Lanzarote Hurdle at Kempton last time and will have to improve.
Carlito Brigante: Does not have the form to reach the first three.
Advocat: Ran a good race when fifth behind Graphic Equaliser last time and could offer good each-way value.
Tidjani: Owned by that fearless gambler JP McManus. Monitor the betting to assess his chances!
Conclusion: GRAPHIC EQUALISER looks thrown in at the weights to add to his Ladbroke Hurdle success and can complete a hat-trick of big-race wins in Britain this term for Arthur Moore. Fellow Irish raider Commanche Court also has a fine chance if he's firing on all cylinders, while Kerawi looks the pick of the British on the strength of his Christmas Hurdle victory.
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