Four talented novices to take note of in the Betfair Hurdle

Novices have been successful in seven of the last nine runnings of the Betfair Hurdle so it is no surprise to see such runners dominating the ante-post market again. Here are four key contenders among the novice ranks.

Getaway Trump

Getaway Trump has come a long way in a short space of time since finishing fourth in a Chepstow maiden hurdle in October. Two facile victories at Plumpton and Exeter have followed and Getaway Trump took another step forward when second to Champ in the 2m4½f Challow Novices' Hurdle earlier this month.

Although the Betfair Hurdle would represent a step back in trip for the Paul Nicholls-trained six-year-old he hasn't looked short of speed in four hurdle runs.

Al Dancer

Nigel Twiston-Davies has an exceptional recent record in the Betfair Hurdle with Splash Of Ginge (2014) and Ballyandy (2017) each successful as novices.

Al Dancer incurred a 12lb hike after a hugely impressive handicap victory off 129 in a Cheltenham handicap last month. Still unbeaten over hurdles, connections will be hoping he can throw his hat into the ring for the Supreme by winning here.

Thomas Darby

Olly Murphy is clearly a trainer on the rise but lacks the ammunition to regularly compete at Graded level. Along with Challow fourth Brewin'upastorm, Thomas Darby could be a horse to help catapult his name into lights.

A victory at Cheltenham in October over subsequent Grade 1 Tolworth scorer Elixir De Nutz now reads extremely well. He probably faced a tough ask giving weight to the classy bumper performer Mister Fisher at Kempton when last seen and still rates a useful prospect.

Didtheyleaveuoutto

The horse who ended Thomas Darby's unbeaten run in a ding-dong battle at Ascot in November was Didtheyleaveyououtto. He had been fancied by many for the Champion Bumper last season but perhaps found the occasion all too much and could only finish tenth behind Relegate.

The Nick Gifford-trained six-year-old was a little bit flat behind Mister Fisher on his last run but there clearly remains untapped potential and Gifford has always held him in the highest regard.

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