The Betfair Stayers Hurdle Handicap (Saturday 25 November), previously named the Betfair Exchange “Fixed Brush” Handicap Hurdle is a 3-mile Grade 3 race run at Haydock. It is one of the supporting races on the same card as the prestigious Betfair Chase and, since it was first run in 2005, its most famous winners have been Halcon Genelardais, Diamond Harry and Dynaste.
Trends
- Winners have carried between 10-2 and 11-12
- Winners have been rated between 132 and 156, with the last 6 rated between 136 and 143
- Winners have been aged 5 to 9, with 5-year-olds winning 5 of the last 7 renewals
- David Pipe has trained 3 of the last 7 winners
- Tom Scudamore has ridden 2 of the last 7 winners
- Grand Grus was the shortest-priced winner at 6/4
- St Matthew was the longest-priced winner at 25/1
Major Contenders
No Hassle Hoff
Installed as the early ante-post favourite after winning at Uttoxeter off a mark of 134, and a rise for that win makes the 5-year-old a nice statistical fit for the race. He’s also trained by Harry Skelton who won the 2015 renewal with a similar type.
The Worlds End
Classy 6-year-old who won the big 3-mile novice hurdle race at last year’s Grand National Meeting when officially rated 149, and will have to defy one of the highest-ratings in the race’s history if he is to win. However, he did give No Hassle Off 7lb and a beating when they last met, form which gives him every chance of beating that rival again.
Minella Awards
Harry Fry trained 6-year-old who pulled-off a decent gamble at last season’s Punchestown Festival off a mark of 134, but was raised to 145 afterwards. This looks a better-class race, and connections have one eye on a novice chasing career if his new mark proves beyond him.
Thomas Campbell
5-year-old who was backed as though defeat was out of the question when winning a Cheltenham Handicap over 3miles on his seasonal debut, really seeming to appreciate the step-up to this trip. Could easily go close, but trainer Nicky Henderson has yet to train the winner of this race.
Calett Mad
5-year-old who started life as a chaser for trainer Nigel Twiston-Davies last season, but has started this season as a novice hurdler, winning two relatively easy races. Could easily have more to come, and looks the sort of strong-travelling type that could relish Haydock.
Sam Spinner
5-year-old who finished second in this season’s Silver Trophy at Chepstow, and another who looks a good fit statistically. Needs to prove his stamina though, and tendency to hang-right under pressure could be a problem in the final stages of what is usually a gruelling contest.
Champers On Ice
Novice Chasing didn’t go according to plan for this David Pipe trained inmate last season, but that leaves him on a potentially nice mark for the season over hurdles and fences. Could easily be the type of horse that wins some kind of National at some point, and interesting contender for connections that target this race.
Our Top Betting Tip for the Betfair Stayers Hurdle Handicap Hurdle Race
There are lots of interesting contenders, but the strong-travelling Calett Mad is a horse that could really appreciate Haydock, and he’s very versatile regarding ground conditions. Champers On Ice would be of interest if the ground turned soft and it became a real stamina test.
Tip
Calett Mad @