totesport Trophy Hurdle betting tips

Irish raiders have trumped the home team in two of the last three renewals of the totesport Trophy Hurdle and Mister Hight, a best-priced 12/1 with Sporting Odds, can enhance the record of those from the Emerald Isle in this year's renewal at Newbury on Saturday. Willie Mullins' charge was sent off at a ridiculous price for a horse of his ability - 20-1 - in the Pierse Hurdle at Leopardstown last month when finishing a highly creditable two and a half lengths second to Spring The Queue, who was in receipt of a hefty 21lb. The five-year-old's form tailed off somewhat towards the end of last season and he was well beaten in the Triumph Hurdle won by Detroit City, for which he was one of the market leaders. However, he has gradually recaptured his form and remains a hurdler of considerable potential. Indeed, the manner of Mister Hight's first two wins over timber - including in a well-contested Grade 2 at Leopardstown 12 months ago - suggested that the gelding, who was placed at Group 3 level on the Flat, suggested that he was potentially a good deal better than a handicapper. Better than a handicapper he will need to be, for this race is invariably won by a horse that is either proven - or goes on to prove him or herself - in non-handicap graded contests. A glance at recent winners proves as much. While it's debatable whether the selection will ever mix it with the cream of Ireland's hurdlers, there is a good chance that he'll improve to the point where he's not far behind them. And he can start with victory this weekend, in a race that will be run to suit, on going that he acts on and at a course that will play to his strengths - Newbury is suited a strong galloper. Acambo, who reappeared in the Ladbroke Hurdle at Ascot where he appeared to have a bit in hand when beating Tarlac by two lengths, is just six years old and has plenty of scope. The ex-German-trained gelding won't mind if the ground dries out and he is a worthy favourite. Tarlac is one of three entries from Nicky Henderson's yard - Caracciola and the progressive Papini being the other duo - and the Lambourn handler has an enviable record in this Grade 3 handicap, having sent out Geos to win it in 2000 and '04, Landing Light in 2001 and Sharpical in 1998. Many will fancy Tarlac's chances of reversing the placings with Acambo given that he'll be 4lb better off on Saturday. But I don't buy that at all, as he held a fitness advantage over David Pipe's charge that day and, furthermore, Tarlac would prefer a softer surface than looks likely to prevail on the day of this event. Papini was well beaten behind Acambo in the Swinton Hurdle at Haydock in May and while he has seemingly improved with two victories so far this season, I doubt whether he'll be good enough to take this. In addition to Mister Hight, there are six other Irish entries at the time of writing, the pick of which might be Moore's Law, who comes into this race in rude health and ought to be in the shake up providing that the ground doesn't dry out too much. Fellow raider Pedrobob, however, seems versatile with regard to underfoot conditions and he also merits respect. This has all the makings of an enthralling race and a strong case can be constructed for at least half a dozen of the runners, so to say it will be competitive is an understatement. However, I strongly believe that Mister Hight is capable of far better than we have seen thus far and, at 12/1, he is strong an each-way bet as you could wish for.Verdict - 2pts e/w Mister Hight @ 12/1 (Sporting Odds), 1/4 odds places 1,2,3,4