Laxey disappointed om seasonal reappearance, but now eased in grade makes plenty of each-way appeal at 18/1 with William Hill in the 2m 5f maiden hurdle at Ludlow this Thursday (13:50).
This lightly-raced Henry Daly trained five-year-old showed signs of ability in two bumper outings and shaped with plenty of promise in three hurdle runs over 2m last season.
After finishing an eye-catching staying on fifth of 15 to Smarty Wild at Ludlow, Laxey shaped well for a long way before weakening to finish fourth of nine to subsequent Grade 3 Chepstow Silver Trophy winner Flash The Steel Steel at Warwick.
He then went on to round off the campaign with a fine three-length runner-up to Elusive Belle at Warwick.
The winner had finished a 2 1/4 lengths behind subsequent dual Grade 1 Reserve Tank at Sandown earlier in the season, and also ran very well on seasonal reappearance when third to current ante post Champion Hurdle favourite Epatante at Newbury.
Notre Pari, Newton Boy and Sammy Bill – who came third, fourth and fifth respectively – have also all come out and won since. That gives the form a solid look in relation to this class 4 affair.
Aspell a positive jockey booking for Laxey
This also a return to calmer water for Laxey, who was pulled-up on seasonal reappearance in a competitive class 3 handicap over 2m 3f at Sandown in November.
The son of multiple Ascot Gold Cup winner Yeats lead until four from home that day before weakening badly.
He stopped quickly and shaped as if something was amiss, but has since been given a nice break by connections to freshen up.
Laxey also promises to be suited by the step up to 2m 5f, and the form of his races last year set a good standard in this.
Leighton Aspell is an eye-catching jockey booking, as he has ridden two winners and three placed horses in just 13 starts when teaming up with the yard. That has resulted in a profit of £16.75 to a £1 level stake.
So, if bouncing back to his best, Laxey looks decent each-way value at the odds on offer to open his account over the obstacles at the fifth time of asking.
Bet of the Day: 18/1 with William Hill, Laxey each-way in the 2m 5f maiden hurdle at Ludlow.
