Lord Brex can keep Hobbs ahead of field

Ibal beat Lord Brex at Cheltenham in January 2000 but that form can be reversed at these weights. Although trainer Dina Smith has since revived Ibal, equally Lord Brex had not then begun his rapid improvement. Ibal may also need softer ground to be at his best, whereas the selection is proven on this largely sound surface.

Ante-post favourite Westender has been the subject of sustained support this week and Exit Swinger, his stable companion at Martin Pipe's yard, was also backed yesterday. But Tony McCoy sounded a cautionary note for punters, stressing Westender faces a "tough task" having been raised 13lb by the handicapper here.

Certainly, he looks vulnerable to Batswing, who's 12lb better off for a mere six-length disparity at Cheltenham last month. Admittedly, the margin would have been greater had Westender not blundered so badly at the last, but we're only talking a couple of lengths more. He's progressive, but offers no value.

Exit Swinger runs off the same mark as when winning an uncompetitive chase at Newbury earlier this month and has claims, but two miles has looked too sharp for him over fences.

Batswing can't be dismissed, but his going days are difficult to predict. He flopped behind Marble Arch last time at Newbury, but is well in with Ibal on their Aintree encounter in April. However, such heavy-ground form is unreliable and Batswing has hinted at needing further than this trip.

Marble Arch is interesting, finally winning in style last month after flattering to deceive so often. Although that event didn't take a huge amount of winning, Hughie Morrison's charge is a course-anddistance winner and could be improving fast.

Nicky Henderson plans to run both Pedro Pete and Got One Too. Retained jockey Mick Fitzgerald is finding them difficult to split and they're closely matched in the betting, too. But progressive novice, Got One Too, may have the edge.

He holds Tikram on their Newbury form, although the latter's trainer Gary Moore could usefully employ a conditional jockey to level the playing field.

That yard is well capable of landing a gamble, as Rob Leach's Sandown success this month reminded us, and this horse has each-way claims.

Both Got One Too and Tikram hold Fait Le Jojo, who's pretty closely matched with Pedro Pete on last season's form.

At least the latter shaped with promise behind Rob Leach - a race in which First Ballot hinted at needing a longer trip.

Dibea Times has potential, but flopped in handicap company last season. Milligan prefers a flat track. Adamant Approach's trainer believes he's harshly handicapped but course specialist Romero can be entertained each-way.

Selections for the Ladbroke Hurdle: 1, Lord Brex; 2 , Marble Arch; 3, Got One Too; 4, Tikram.