In the fourth race of the day we believe that Thyme Hill is the horse to beat in the market and with that in mind we are recommending a £10 win stake to be placed on him in the Ryanair Stayers' Hurdle.
The seven year old gelding was remarkable last season winning three of his four contests in great style and showing a clear staying ability.
He started his life over hurdles at Chepstow in the Grade Two Persian War Novices Hurdle and seeing off some smart youngsters that have since gone on to frank that form including Grade One winner Fiddlerontheroof.
The gelding then went to Cheltenham in the Grade Two Ballymore Novices Hurdle and again put in a strong winning run to enhance his credentials in this division.
He was destined for big things off the back of his third in the Champion Bumper at Cheltenham last season and fulfilled his potential for the term when landing the Grade One Challow Hurdle at Newbury.
He was then sent back to Cheltenham in March for the Albert Bartlett Novices' Hurdle and although suffering his first defeat over hurdles, he was a narrow fourth in a very hot Grade One.
The form of that race has worked out with the first, second and third since coming out and winning on their seasonal debuts.
Coming out of novice company on seasonal debut many were apprehensive as to how Thyme Hill would handle taking seasoned staying horses on first time out, but he was superb landing the Grade Two Long Distance Hurdle at Newbury.
The gelding saw off strong challenges from McFabulous and Paisley Park that day and he was up against the latter again in his bid for his second Grade One win of his career.
However, although looking the likely winner with 50 yards to go he was nabbed on the line by Paisley Park, but we think in the decider that our gelding will have too much for him having skipped Cheltenham and getting better ground.
If placing a £10 win bet on the gelding, it could see you take home £35 at current best odds of 5/2, if going on to win.
