'By Far The Standout' - William Hill Each Way Extra Challenge Handicap Hurdle Tips Thurles hosts an eight-race card this Thursday with a nice variety of races. The William Hill Each Way Extra Challenge Series Handicap Hurdle has filled up nicely, and has been split into two divisions, with the first taking place at 2.00 and the second at 2.35. We take a deep dive into the first division at 2.00, which features 13 runners, and cast eyes over the field to give a selection and next best. William Hill Each Way Extra Challenge Series Handicap Hurdle Tips (2.00) Selection: Pourquoi Poi Next Best: Spick and Span William Hill Betting Offer Rothwell looking for repeat success PJ Rothwell and Tiernan Power Roche teamed up with last year’s winner Warm In Glory, and they will be hoping for repeat success, this time with the eight-year-old Eco Pete. He’s one from 20 but did produce a good performance last time out, finishing third. However, he does appear to be more of a summer horse and may be unsuited by the soft ground likely at Thurles, especially if conditions deteriorate further throughout the afternoon. Pourquoi Poi by far the standout Paul W. Flynn’s Pourquoi Poi was an easy winner last time out and is very much the standout to back up that performance. Jack Kennedy does not ride for this yard often, so his booking last time would have caught some attention. However, it still flew slightly under the radar as the horse went off at 10/1 before bolting up. This combination is still in its infancy, but they are now 2-4, and it’s clear why Kennedy is keen to keep the ride. He left his maiden very much in the dust on handicap debut, making a mockery of a mark of 87. The handicapper has reacted with an 11lb rise, which is unlikely to be enough to stop him, as there should be more improvement to come with just four starts under his belt and him being only four. He remains very much unexposed, and his win last time at Punchestown may well be the start of a sequence of victories for a horse going the right way. Spick and Span a contender There are several in here who could take advantage if Pourquoi Poi fails to fire. Cathryns Ruby broke her maiden at the 10th time of asking and will look to follow up, while Enge Hazard appears an interesting runner for the Andrew McNamara yard. However, the next best looks to be Spick and Span for James Andrew Fahey. She’s been in form without winning, producing two respectable efforts in mares’ handicaps. The only question mark is the ground, but if she handles it, she should be well involved. Expect Pourquoi Poi to be very hard to beat, but Spick and Span is definitely one to keep an eye on.
