Hereford each-way tip: Got Grey looking to split short-priced market leaders

16:35 Hereford:  Get Emma’s at PlanetSportBet Handicap Hurdle (2 miles 53 yards)

If the bookies’ early prices can be trusted, then we should be in for a two-horse race here, with Golden Maverick and Swift Hawk hardly separable at the top of the market.

Golden Maverick was a five-time winner on the Flat for Ian Williams before being picked up by Jamie Snowden, who quickly recognised his potential over obstacles.

Two frame finishes in February paved the way for a maiden hurdling success in March, which was further consolidated by another tidy win on handicap debut at Musselburgh last month.

Planet Sport Bet Daily Special: Bet £20+ cash on any runner in the race and if Golden Maverick wins by more than 7 lengths, get a £5 Free Bet

The career of fellow market leader Swift Hawk has followed a similar path for Paul Nicholls, and the four-year-old is expected to progress further here, now reunited with PlanetSportBet ambassador Harry Cobden.

As with Golden Maverick, Swift Hawk’s useful Flat form converted readily to hurdles, over which he won on debut at Taunton in December, and has since confirmed that promise with a useful second of 10 in handicap company at the same venue last time out 19 days ago.

With both principals commanding a price barely above even money it’s a tough call for bettors, who might be better advised to look elsewhere for enhanced each-way value, should the two favourites be too wrapped up in their own battle for supremacy.

Of their three rivals, Got Grey enjoyed a reasonable career on the French Flat circuit (including winning on career debut), before a move to Ireland brought modest performances as a hurdler for Gavin Cromwell.

Suggested best bet: Got Grey in the 16:35 at Hereford

Another close-season switch saw the five-year-old come under the tutelage of Helen Nelmes, and his fourth-placed finish as a 250/1 outsider on stable and season debut in a 14-runner novice at Taunton a month ago suggests the move has already had a positive impact.

Jockey Charlie Price again adds his useful three-pound claim to an already fir mark, and the pairing might just combine to get themselves in the frame, especially on the improving ground that might not suit at least one of the market leaders, especially Golden Maverick, whose best hurdling efforts have all come in soft or heavy conditions.

• Tip advised by Little Horses on Tipstrr

 

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