Elusive Belle appeals at 7/4 with William Hill in the 2m handicap hurdle that brings proceedings to a close at Kempton on a terrific day of jumps action this Friday (15:35).
This five-year-old mare, who hails from the in-form yard of Lambourn handler Nicky Henderson, won two of her four starts over the obstacles last season.
She also ran very well in defeat when beaten just over two lengths by Reserve Tank in an eight-runner contest at Sandown when sent off the odds-on favourite.
Elusive Bell raced keenly in the early stages and, after taking up the running at the third from home, made mistakes at the final two flights which cost her dearly.
However, the form of the race has worked out really well. The winner went on to land Grade 1 contests at Sandown and the Punchestown Festival to be rated 151.
The third home Severano, who finished eight lengths behind Elusive Belle, is also a useful sort who has won both his starts this season to be officially rated 134.
Elusive Belle was also far from disgraced when 14th of 22 to Eglantine Du Seuil in a Grade 2 at the Cheltenham festival.
She went on to round off the campaign with an easy four-length success in a 15-runner affair at Warwick, which has thrown-up plenty of subsequent winners.
Why on form Elusive Belle looks a great bet
Those efforts suggested Elusive Belle would have more to offer this season.
That view was confirmed when she finished a cracking third of 11 to stable companion Epatanate in a Listed 2m intermediate hurdle at Newbury last month.
After being held-up, Elusive Belle made good headway to hold every chance twi from home before being unable to find any extra when the pace quickened.
She shaped as if needing the outing, so should now be spot on to do herself justice in this easier class 2 contest. Elusive Bell is able to race in it off an unchanged handicap mark of 134.
That makes her looks potentially thrown-in at the weights as Epatante, from whom she was receiving 6lbs, has gone on to land the Grade 1 Christmas Hurdle at this meeting in sensational style to become the new Champion Hurdle favourite.
Regular pilot Sam Waley-Cohen also takes off a handy 3lb with his claim. Elusive Belle has proven form going right handed, so this track should also play to her strengths.
She looks potential a cut-above her rivals. So, with handler Henderson also operating at a strike rate of over 30 per cent in the last 14 days, she rates a solid bet to get back to winning ways.
Bet of the Day: 7/4 with William Hill, Elusive Belle to win the 2m handicap hurdle at Kempton.
