Betfair Hurdle: Timeform's runner-by-runner guide

Can Timmy Murphy score aboard Swing Bowler?

Timeform provide runner-by-runner analysis of the main event on Saturday, the Betfair Hurdle at Newbury...

Petit Robin has looked as good as ever over hurdles this winter, landing brace of competitive handicaps and only finding Cause of Causes too strong in the Ladbroke. Further 4 lb rise makes life tougher, though.

Cause Of Causes has been very much on the upgrade this term, decisive winner of 21-runner Ladbroke Hurdle at Ascot in December before landing 3-runner minor event at Navan following month, and likely to run well again.

My Tent Or Yours was a smart bumper performer who beat a subsequent Grade 1 winner at Ascot (2m) on his hurdles bow and was never off the bridle to win a Huntingdon novice event last month. Unexposed and a major player.

Dark Lover is a smart performer who has won 4 of his first 5 starts over hurdles, including a pair of big-field Cheltenham handicaps in the autumn. Raised 17 lb for latter triumph, but no surprise if going close.

Pearl Swan is short on experience having had just 3 starts over hurdles (made belated return in a recent jumpers bumper), but jockey bookings suggest he's the main hope for the yard that took this prize last year.

Cash And Go bettered his 3 wins over timber in Ireland when second in Racing Post Hurdle at Cheltenham for this yard in November. Unseated when favourite for the Ladbroke next time and worth another chance.

Punjabi was the 2009 Champion Hurdler (second in this race previous year) who looked to need run after 33 months off when sixth behind ill-fated stablemate Darlan in Christmas Hurdle at Kempton. Folly to dismiss.

Cotton Mill took well to hurdling last term, winning his first 3 races. Set to improve again before unseating 2 out at Cheltenham in March (stamina stretched over 3m next time) and worth a look on handicap bow.

Ronaldo Des Mottes finished runner-up in this race 3 years ago. Lightly-raced since, catching the eye under a sympathetic ride after 21 months off when fourth in a Sandown handicap 5 weeks ago, and chances if building on that.

Baby Mix was one of best juvenile hurdlers of last season, winning Grade 2 Adonis at Kempton. Found little in Triumph, however, and has also been below par on both starts this term, so has plenty to prove now.

Princeton Plains was successful 3 times in 2011. Back on the up when going down narrowly at Listowel in September and shaped better than bare result when sixth in Ladbroke since (forced wide home turn). Respected.

Claret Cloak was a useful bumper winner who ended last season on the up with a brace of novice wins over 2m. Shaped well when third in listed handicap at Ascot on return and one to keep on side.

The Betchworth Kid is a dual-purpose performer (useful on Flat, successful in October) who is having his first start over timber for this yard having failed to cut much ice for Alan King in 2011/12.

Manyriverstocross was a useful stayer on Flat who won twice over hurdles in 2009/10. Finished third in this event that term, but not seen for well over 2 years and hard to know how he'll fare on belated return.

Swing Bowler is a well-bred mare who has made a perfect start, making a mockery of her opening mark to take a competitive 2m handicap at Musselburgh on New Year's Day. 11 lb rise unlikely to stop her going close.

Village Vic was a point winner who reached useful level in bumpers. Good start over hurdles when second at Cheltenham (21f) in October and though below that level there twice since, form of latest race looks strong.

Lyvius made it 3 wins from his first 5 starts over hurdles in a C&D handicap in November, but has to put a low-key run in the Ladbroke since firmly behind him.

Ingleby Spirit's best efforts over hurdles have come at Musselburgh, winning twice last term and posting good efforts in races won by Swing Bowler and Brick Red there in recent weeks. This looks much tougher, though.

First In The Queue got back to very best when runner-up to Petit Robin in a 2m Ascot handicap in November. Heavy ground against him there next time, but got back on track when third in a recent jumpers' bumper.

Court Minstrel was a useful bumper performer who made a big impression when winning at Cheltenham in October on hurdles bow. Has shaped much better than bare result in graded events since and initial mark looks fair.

Into Wain took well to hurdling last term, scoring twice. Fit from Flat when just touched off by Petit Robin in a listed handicap at Sandown in December and shaped well for long way in Ladbroke 2 weeks later.

Caid Du Berlais was fairly useful in France for Robert Collet, winning at Clairefontaine (17f) in August, and finished with a flourish when second to Ruacana in Grade 1 at Chepstow on British debut last month.

Home Run has really come good over hurdles recently, completing a 5-timer at Musselburgh (2m) on New Year's Day and better still when second to Mr Mole at Taunton on Thursday. 9 lb wrong here, though.

Timeform 1-2-3:
1. Swing Bowler
2. My Tent Or Yours
3. Court Minstrel

Timeform Verdict: A typically competitive renewal with the vote going to the unbeaten Swing Bowler, who dotted up on her first start in handicap company last month and still looks well treated despite an 11 lb rise. My Tent Or Yours and Court Minstrel are a pair of highly-regarded novices who can also make their presence felt.

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