‘Victory is there for the taking’ – 28-1 outsider for Ascot’s Long Walk Hurdle 🏆

The staying hurdle division has been in decline for some years now and the British stayers have been particularly below-par. This means there are no standout contenders for the Grade 1 Long Walk Hurdle at Ascot on Saturday. It’s fair to say that victory is there for the taking and it’ll be an open race. We’ve gone for a huge outsider that is currently available at 28-1 and could have been overlooked. You can check out our free tips page for daily content across British and Irish racing.

Long Walk Hurdle

Red Risk (28-1, William Hill) put in a career-best effort when second by a length in a Grade 2 at Wetherby last time out. Botox Has was the winner that day and he’s set to re-oppose here. The confusing thing is there wasn’t much between the pair and one is 8-1, whilst the other is 28-1. Dashel Drasher was third that day and has since boosted the form by winning a Grade 2 at Newbury next time.

Paul Nicholls’ gelding could have more to give in this division and he’s entitled to improve for his latest run. Jockey bookings would suggest that the Middleham Park-owned eight-year-old is the yard’s second string but this lad is proven over the trip. Blueking D’Oroux is a four-year-old trying three miles for the first time and Harry Cobden might be on the wrong horse here.

There are two previous winners in this race, including Paisley Park who has won three of the last five renewals. This race is wide open and whatever happens, it’s unlikely that the winner will be a major candidate for Cheltenham’s Stayers’ Hurdle in March.

If you back any of our selections you can watch them live on the free Racing Post app or racingpost.com. Simply log in to one of your bookmaker accounts and click ‘Watch live’ on the racecards.