Racing: The former National Hunt jockey Steve Smith Eccles (right) gives a runner-by-runner analysis of today's Tote Bookmakers Handicap Hurdle
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Your support makes all the difference.Mistinguett: Stormed home in last Saturday's Cleeve Hurdle and has an excellent chance if those exertions have not taken their toll.
Daraydan: In excellent form before Christmas but failed to stay three miles in soft ground last time. At this trip he has each-way claims.
Princeful: Will struggle to improve on his second at Warwick last time. Not the most fluent jumper.
Moorish: Pulls hard and has to be held up. Could hit traffic problems.
Buckhouse Boy: Not the best of jumpers and could miss one out
Jathib: Hard to see him winning this on his first outing this season.
Big Strand: An eye-catching third on his seasonal debut. The one they all have to beat.
Friendship: Unlucky not to complete a hat-trick when falling at the last at Kempton. Each-way claims if that does not dent his confidence.
Whip Hand: His trainer is not sparkling and there is a question mark about the trip for this one.
Danjing: Refused to race on his reappearance. One to avoid.
Outset: Cannot be expected to improve for last run as he was fit from the Flat. Small horse who may struggle physically.
Far Dawn: Could not win if he started now.
Runaway Pete: Little chance on this year's form.
Harbour Island: Runs best in blinkers but even though he has them on here he should not figure.
Conclusion: The game Mistinguett impressed me at Cheltenham last week but I feel this tough race comes too soon. Friendship has sound each-way claims but BIG STRAND is very attractively weighted and will carry my fiver.
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