2.10 2m. 7f. 213yds. 23 Declared. Pertemps Network Final Handicap Hurdle (Premier Handicap) (GBB Race) (Class 1 ) of £100,000.00 5-y-o plus
1st - €56,270.00 2nd - €21,200.00 3rd - €10,610.00 4th - €5,300.00 5th - €2,660.00 6th - €1,330.00 7th - €660.00 8th - €340.00
Formscan - Gordon Elliott won this three years on the bounce between 2018 and 2020, and his mob-handed policy has been a profitable tactic to follow. The County-Meath-based handler has a quartet of options this time around, with SALVADOR ZIGGY, who was fourth in a series qualifier over C&D back in October, edging the nomination. Previous course experience can be a vital factor at the Festival and the top-weight, who is four from five since joining Elliott, has gone from strength to strength as his stamina has been put to the test. Maxxum also flourished under the trainer's tutelage until proving a costly failure at the Dublin Racing Festival, while The Bosses Oscar was third in a qualifier at Musselburgh on his return from a break and can be fancied to strip a lot sharper. Thanksforthehelp dropped a significant hint that he can be a player with an easy success at Chepstow, and an 11lb higher mark might not be insurmountable given the scope he retains. Captain Morgs struck over C&D in December and could be good value to at least make the frame.