Kumbeshwar the form pick for William Hill Handicap Hurdle
Published:Kumbeshwar arguably boasts the best form William Hill Handicap Chase and therefore if continuing to improve on his first start of the season he is entitled to be given the tag as the horse to beat.
Finishing second in the Fred Winter at the Cheltenham Festival was a fine run at 33/1 and Kumbeshwar has since proven this was no fluke by chasing home smart duo Zarkandar and Grandouet in separate races towards the end of the last campaign.
Alan King’s charge is 6/1 to win the William Hill Handicap Chase at Ascot.
The one question mark is whether he is good enough to beat a field of largely older horses, who will be more developed physically.
Topolski is unbeaten in all three starts over hurdles and is perhaps deserving to be favourite in the Ascot betting at 5/1.
His chances will also be aided the fact that he has had a preparation outing on the Flat already this season, which may give him an edge over the bulk of his rivals, while his smart turn of foot from the rear of the field could be a big asset in a fast-run race.
However, he will have to defy top weight in order to achieve victory.
Third Intention put a disappointing run in the Triumph Hurdle at the Cheltenham Festival behind him with a win at the same track on his latest start.
A repeat of this performance should see him go close and he is 9/1 to win the William Hill Handicap Hurdle.
Elsewhere, Pascha Bere has finished in the first three in the Ascot contest in each of the last two years and could offer each-way value again at 16/1, while if Brampour can display improved jumping he may feature at 10/1.
