THERE appears to be a dearth of top staying hurdlers around this season. The top of the market for the Stayers’ Hurdle looks decidedly porous.

Paisley Park sits proudly on top of it, and correctly so. Emma Lavelle’s horse is the title holder and the outstanding staying hurdler of last season. His primary objective this term is apparently to retain that title, and all is reportedly well with him. After him though, there are weak pockets.