Is King Ottokar a handicap 'good thing'? Analysis and trainer quotes for Leicester handicap hurdle

Nicky Henderson would not have many hurdlers rated 100 or lower, and it is surely significant that he persists with King Ottokar, who returns from a 755-day layoff.

The eight-year-old contested a stack of Group races on the Flat during the early part of his career, including when third to Sangarius in the Group 3 Hampton Court Stakes at Royal Ascot in 2019.

He was officially rated 106 that day, yet is able to tackle his first handicap over hurdles off a lowly mark of 100.

Of course, it is a worry he hasn’t been seen on a racecourse since October 2022, but if he retains just a fraction of his ability – and the fact he remains with Henderson suggests he does – King Ottokar simply ought to destroy this field.

Course-and-distance winner Dominic’s Fault looks another who hasn’t been easy to train having been off the track himself between May 2022 and January 2024, but he made a pleasing seasonal reappearance at Carlisle last month when going down by a short head to Kilbrainy.

By far the last off the bridle, he would probably have won if he had been more fluent at the final flight.

However, the handicapper has taken no chances by nudging him up 4lb for that defeat, and Dominic’s Fault must concede 11lb to King Ottokar.

Ballybreeze, who boasts a hurdles mark 12lb lower than his chase rating, could run a big race for Samuel Drinkwater.
Race analysis by Richard Birch

Ground and weather

The going is good to soft, soft in places on the hurdles course and good to firm, good in places (good to soft on the Flat course crossings) on the chase track. Light showers were forecast for Sunday evening, while Monday is expected to be dry with the possibility of light rain in the afternoon.

What they say 

Olly Murphy, trainer of Dominic’s Fault, Salley Gardens, Bobby Socks and Roccos Inspiration
We're running four as it looks as if it will be safe ground and we need to get these horses out. Dominic’s Fault was unlucky not to win at Carlisle last time and we expect him to be competitive, but coming back in trip probably isn’t ideal. Salley Gardens has had a long time off but would have an each-way chance on his old form. Bobby Socks is another one off a break and will definitely come forward from this. Roccos Inspiration has lost her way since winning her maiden in January and will have to improve for Josh Bryan, who now works for us and is having his first ride over hurdles.

Stuart Edmunds, trainer of Wise Guy
His spin at Carlisle last month has brought him on, but I just hope the ground is soft enough as he really needs to get his toe in.

Jonjo O’Neill, joint-trainer of Don Virginia
He stayed on well to be fourth at Carlisle last time and probably wants to go further, but he’s only four and should improve as he strengthens up.

Pam Sly, trainer of Rumoursareflying
His form is strong as he finished second to subsequent winner Roadlesstravelled at Market Rasen last time. He deserves to get his head in front, but I just hope it doesn’t rain as he’s a good-ground horse ideally.

Nicky Henderson, trainer of King Ottokar
He’s had a history of issues and we’d almost accepted retirement, but I couldn’t find an alternative career for him so we’ve got him going again. He seems to be going well and this looks a nice starting point.
Reporting by David Milnes

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