Ladboke Hurdel

The Ladbroke Hurdle is always a fiercely contested event and there are some really promising sorts in this year's line up, including the up-and-coming Martin Pipe-trained duo, Miss Academy and Not Left Yet.However, Lambourn trainer Nicky Henderson - successful in this race in 2002 with Chauvinist - appears to hold the key to this year's renewal at Sandown on Saturday (3.10) with the rapidly improving Afrad, who looks a cracking bet at11-2 with Bet365, Total Bet and UK Betting.The five-year-old landed a decent two and a half mile contest at the Esher venue on Boxing Day when beating Only Vintage by an eased-down five lengths. Although he wil be dropping back to two miles this weekend, this race is invariably runat a break-neck pace, which will help ensure that the selection's proven stamina comes into play.Furthermore, Afrad is saddled with just a 4lb penalty for that cosy victory, leaving him on a handy racing weight of 10st 8lb, and 3lb well-in as he will be racing off a 7lb higher mark in future.Indeed, he's potentially a good few strides ahead of the handicapper at present, given that he's a young horse on an upward curve. Such was his improvement on the level during the summer, the son of Linamix was sent off favourite for theultra competitive Cesarewitch and, although he failed to run his race that day and was ultimately disappointing, that effort is best forgotten and everything seems set fair for him to make a bold bid on Saturday.While confidence in Afrad is high, I can't resist recommending a small each-way saver on Desert Air, who could well ruffle some notable feathers in this race and go close at a generous-looking 20-1 with Bet Direct. Although the betting suggests that he's about fourth in the pecking order of Martin Pipe's likelyrunners, if he puts his best foot forward on Saturday he will make them all go.The seven-year-old was putting in giant strides up the hill when finishing over six lengths fourth behind stablemate Tamarinbleu in this race last year.Considering that he was quite literally out with the washing at thesecond-last, he did extremely well to finish so close.It cannot be denied that he is a quirky customer who doesn't always give 50 per cent of himself, never mind 100, but there was much promise to be taken fromhis reappearance effort at Cheltenham where he finished a length and a halfsecond to a progressive performer in Motorway, whom was in receipt of a hefty17lb.It's a risk backing Desert Air, but a risk worth taking at what could look aridiculosly big price come Saturday afternoon. Verasi and Cherub, first andsecond respectively in the William Hill Hurdle over course and distance lastmonth, both merit respect.In my opinion, the latter has sound claims of reversing the placings with thewinner on 4lb better terms, as Verasi seems to be best on heavy going,conditions which are unlikely to ensue at the weekend.Self Defense, runner-up in this last year, chased home the classy Feathard Ladyin the Grade One Christmas Hurdle over course and distance on Boxing Day. He islikely to be in the mix at the business end, but remains vulnerable off hislofty rating.Briareus should also give a good account, along with Irish raider Rocket Ship.However, they appear to have a fair share of weight for what they?ve actuallyachieved, only re-emphasising how well treated Afrad looks.