Antepost: Betfair Exchange Trophy Handicap Hurdle

Christmas is coming. And racing fans will have a treat 2 days before Christmas with a smart Saturday card at Ascot which consists of the Long Walk, the Silver Cup and also the old Ladbroke handicap - now called the Betfair Exchange Trophy.

Since he crossed the line in 2nd at Ascot back in early November, I've had ALTOBELLI on my mind for this. Mentioned as his main target for the first half of the season by his trainer, he looks to hold a strong chance given natural improvement from his first start of the season.

A smart novice hurdler, he took time to come to hand in his first season over obstacles winning a couple of novice hurdles before finishing 9th at Aintree in a Grade 1. It was a solid enough attempt given he only had 2 runs in low grade novice hurdles.

Making his first outing of the season in a well regarded early season 2 mile handicap at Ascot, he finished 2nd to Knickerbockerglory who got his ideal conditions on very soft ground and was hard fit for this race. Altobelli had to give the winner just under a stone that day with the conditional on board the winner, and finished a strong 2nd running to the line well. They both pulled away from a decent horse in Bad, who could give the form a boost if he runs well today in the Gerry Feilden. Knickerbockerglory ran a solid enough race in the Greatwood just a couple of weeks after this race too with the quick turnaround in races finishing 7th.

Set to come on massively for his opening run, it seems Altobelli enjoys a break between races so it's no negative him having over 6 weeks off before taking in this race. It does look an open handicap with JP McManus and Nicky Henderson holding 2 aces in the shape of Greatwood winner Iberico Lord, and Impose Toi. Both have been hit with big 8lb+ increases on their handicap marks for their wins at the November meeting, but they will both have huge chances if they take their part and certainly one of them are likely to run.

Other potential runners could include Lookaway who still has a few pound in him and is a favourite of this blog, whilst Onlyamatteroftime was going well before running out once again - if he puts it all together he looks capable of winning a big pot but can't be trusted. Whilst other potential runners include recent Ascot winner Gin Coco, who's ground dependent, whilst Under Control and Hansard are likely to swerve this after their run at Newbury this weekend with other targets after the new year in mind.

Whilst it looks another open 2 mile handicap with a great deal of depth, Altobelli looks handily priced at 12/1 as an each way bet and has a very positive profile. He will likely win a big pot at some point this season, and it's expected with more racing and experience that he will come on strongly through the season. He strikes me as the safe each way bet of the race with this already mentioned as his target.

Bets

Altobelli - 1.5pts ew @ 12/1 (Bet365)