5.20 2m. 3f. 173yds. 17 Declared. bet365 Handicap Hurdle (GBB Race) (Class 2 ) of £35,000.00 4-y-o plus
1st - €18,210.00 2nd - €8,372.00 3rd - €4,186.00 4th - €2,093.00 5th - €1,046.00 6th - €522.00
Formscan - Authorised Speed hasn't taken to fences this season but it would come as no surprise to see the dual course scorer run a massive race on his hurdling return, while Bad has threatened to win a big handicap since joining Ben Pauling and shouldn't be underestimated in a first-time tongue-tie. Willie Mullins saddles a couple of interesting runners in Gold Dancer and Sa Majeste, but PIC ROC looks the most solid option. Steadily progressive over timber this campaign, he backed up an impressive Ascot victory with a cracking second-placed effort in the EBF Final over C&D last time. A 5lb rise for that performance looks fair and he is fancied to go one better, confirming form with the third and subsequent winner Emailandy in the process.