WKD Hurdle Tips & Betting Preview

A quality early season Grade 2 event with some top class horses running for a prize of £29,500. Read on for expert analysis and betting tips.

IN SUMMARY: MELON has the potential to be a real star this season for Willie Mullins and the Supreme Novices’ runner-up can get get his season of to the perfect start here, Mick Jazz also looks one with a bright future and can follow the selection home.

1 COQUIN MANS – A rating of 151 may flatter him considering he was only a neck ahead of the 144 rated Ex Patriot last time out when well beaten by the classy Jezki, he is a classy horse regardless and had won four on the bounce previously so must be respected.

2 MELON – One of the most hyped horses of last season who finished a valiant second on only his second start over hurdles in the Supreme Novices at Cheltenham and followed that with another Grade 1 second at Punchestown. He is open to plenty of progress after only three starts should take all the beating if ready first time up.

3 MICK JAZZ – Not one of the most talked about horses of last season having missed the big Spring festivals but has some seriously good form since joining Gordon Elliott including the scalp of subsequent Grade 1 winner Cilaos Emery. Runs here instead of a handicap tomorrow so must be respected.

4 WAKEA – More exposed than some of these a rating of 144 leaves him with something to find but he ran a nice race behind the classy Campeador last time and the useful Rashaan the time before, might have an easy time up front here and would be a danger to all if getting loose on the lead.

5 FORGE MEADOW – Sent off 9/2 in the same race as Wakea last time but was rather disappointing and that has been the trend for her since bolting up in a Grade 2 by eight lengths, gets weight from most of these and if getting back to her best has a squeak.

6 TELLTHEMNUTTIN – Won two handicaps in a row but was pulled up on her next two starts, had a spin on the flat ten days ago but reverts to jumps with a mountain to climb if she is to get involved.