2.50 2m. 5f. 26 Declared. Coral Cup Handicap Hurdle (Premier Handicap) (GBB Race) (Class 1 ) of £100,000.00 4-y-o plus
1st - €56,270.00 2nd - €21,200.00 3rd - €10,610.00 4th - €5,300.00 5th - €2,660.00 6th - €1,330.00 7th - €660.00 8th - €340.00
Formscan - There have been some good weight-carrying performances in recent renewals of this race, which bodes well for RUN FOR OSCAR, who is in the right bracket as he bids to give his trainer, Charles Byrnes, a first winner in this race. Having romped home in last year's Cesarewitch, the gelding has high-class form under both codes of racing and, considering he was third in the Grade 3 Stayers' Handicap Hurdle at Haydock on his penultimate start, he offers strong appeal at this level over a more suitable trip. His chance is enhanced with Philip Byrnes taking 5lb off with his claim. The unexposed Hms Seahorse also has a viable chance having proven his stamina with a win over 2m4f at Navan in January and he is also high on the shortlist. Benson has the chance of picking up a 100,000-pound bonus after winning a quality handicap at Kelso 11 days ago. He's got a 5lb penalty to shoulder but is a consistent enough performer to suggest he's capable of going close. Camprond was fourth in this race last year and is dangerous to ignore from a 2lb lower mark, while Beacon Edge, who was fourth in the 2021 Stayers' Hurdle, is another with the class to figure prominently. Fil Dor looks the pick of Gordon Elliot's five acceptors, while Captain Conby is yet another with scope for improvement and could be good value to at least make the frame.