Juvenile Hurdlers 2021/22

[Kotkijet]

I’ve had a quick scan Kotki, and this is a hugely valuable resource. There’s several here I want to put in my tracker, and one or two I’d be keen to get priced up. If anyone else is thinking of reading, it’s worth doing for the quality of the writing alone, including this gem:

“Max Mayhem is not without potential for the division, but his temperament is not encouraging and while this might be rectified with his dating a pair of scissors, stablemate Benaud currently has a more solid profile.”

Most appreciated Mighty

Was quite partial to my Mark E Smith tribute, although the redundancy of "negated by negatives" is a healthy reminder that I am still a work in progress...

Incidentally, and possibly completely unrelated, while we would have sat on opposite sides of the chamber, my best friend at uni was a (good) Tory. Just as we were bound by a respect for Harold Macmillan and horsey girls, the sport of racing allows the likes of Phil Bull, Robin Cook and Paul Haigh to stand shoulder to shoulder with those who might otherwise be natural adversaries.

Such a beautiful thing this passion of ours!

[Mighty]

That's what I love about racing - a spectacle that we can all agree brings joy to our lives. I'm far too excited about my return to a racecourse for the first time in 2 years on Sunday at Plumpton, and I've already checked your thread against some of the likely juvenile hurdlers likely to be running there... I hope a preview might be forthcoming!

As for political views, there is far more that unites than divides, and whilst I spent a good deal of time inside the tent so to speak, I'm enjoying life far more now on the outside working on projects that cross the spectrum. It's also not quite so pressured!

[Zachx02]

Hello all.

I have updated the prospects list for the 2021/22 season. However, given its size, I would be unable to post it all in one go. That said, having such a wall of text would create havoc on this thread - aesthetically at least if not mechanically.

So I have posted it on twitter...

https://twitter.com/HarchibaldS/status/1437884531030347779

Likes and re-tweets would be most welcome. Suggestions, comments, questions, adoration, abuse etc can be left here or through twitter or wherever.

If you are too cool for twitter, and I was myself until recently, then there is a direct link to the blog post here.

https://juvenilehurdlers.wordpress.com/2021/09/14/juvenile-hurdle-prospects-for-2021-22-2/

Lots of love and all that

Just saying Kotki, I had Parmenion priced up a few days ago on bet365, 25/1

[Kotkijet]

That's what I love about racing - a spectacle that we can all agree brings joy to our lives. I'm far too excited about my return to a racecourse for the first time in 2 years on Sunday at Plumpton, and I've already checked your thread against some of the likely juvenile hurdlers likely to be running there... I hope a preview might be forthcoming!

As for political views, there is far more that unites than divides, and whilst I spent a good deal of time inside the tent so to speak, I'm enjoying life far more now on the outside working on projects that cross the spectrum. It's also not quite so pressured!

I know how excited I was going to Hexham in June so you must be bouncing! Could be a pretty nice race as well. I was thinking of including George Bancroft in the update before it had transpired that he was bought by JP. If he doesn't turn up on Sunday then he will appear in the next one.

I pretty much agree entirely on the topic of politics. Most people just want safety, comfort and happiness for themselves and those they love. However, there are countless schools of thought on how that might be achieved which is why respectful discourse is not only productive but essential. Engagement in politics should come down to individually gathered values rather than those ascribed by certain "teams". Unfortunately, polemicism is endemic in the current landscape and I have often been turned off by encounters with unhappy people who hold some very nasty views of others. I am sure you have dealt with the same thing on your side of the fence. Hopefully, the cooler and more pragmatic heads will ultimately prevail before it is too late... But in the meantime, at least we have horse racing!

Though I have a fair amount on over the next few days, I will endeavour to get preview for Plumton's race done before Saturday night supper. As I won't be previewing the nice race at Listowel (I can still take stands even if I am utterly jaded!), at least there will be less time constraints on the Plumpton contest.

Just saying Kotki, I had Parmenion priced up a few days ago on bet365, 25/1

Far out! Well that's what we do at Fat Jockey... We shape the markets!

[Sprinter Sacre]

Hi Kotkijet, do you know much about Ile de Jersey? Owners Group have just released a syndicate group for her: https://www.ownersgroup.co.uk/Home/S...fmelytuliemfch

[Kotkijet]

Hi Sprinter,

https://www.equidia.fr/chevaux/ile-de-jersey

Not much more than what is already available on the OG website. She isn't bred to be a fast juvenile; her dam won a weak conditions chase, one half-brother won a 2m4f beginners chase at Wexford while another won a cross country chase. Nevertheless, apparently her times at Les Sables and Vittel were good without being amazing. She beat trees when winning last time but could not have been more emphatic in doing so. Was ridden by Felix de Giles on that occasion too, so given his links with the Henderson yard, it is interesting that IdJ is the first jumper to arrive at Seven Barrows this season.

Will obviously be included in my next update by which time I will have had a proper look at her. I might have a better grasp of how well she does this term, or it might be there's not much to elaborate on what I have just written.

Watch this space to find out

[Sprinter Sacre]

Hi Sprinter,

https://www.equidia.fr/chevaux/ile-de-jersey

Not much more than what is already available on the OG website. She isn't bred to be a fast juvenile; her dam won a weak conditions chase, one half-brother won a 2m4f beginners chase at Wexford while another won a cross country chase. Nevertheless, apparently her times at Les Sables and Vittel were good without being amazing. She beat trees when winning last time but could not have been more emphatic in doing so. Was ridden by Felix de Giles on that occasion too, so given his links with the Henderson yard, it is interesting that IdJ is the first jumper to arrive at Seven Barrows this season.

Will obviously be included in my next update by which time I will have had a proper look at her. I might have a better grasp of how well she does this term, or it might be there's not much to elaborate on what I have just written.

Watch this space to find out

Thank you so much!

[Kotkijet]

Although French racing might get lost in the excitement as the British and Irish seasons begin to come out of hibernation, the Prix Finot is still a contest worth of attention. This newcomers’ race is one with a rich history of being a launchpad for some very talented individuals who have won many a decent prize in France, Britain and Ireland over the years both as juveniles and as established veterans.

Starting with the records of graduates in juvenile hurdles, here is a list of previous participants that went on to race in Britain and Ireland. The French trainers listed in purple will be represented in this year’s renewal.



The Prix Finot also has a respectable record of producing those who compete in the top French prizes for the age group.



Insofar as the long term is concerned, here are the ten graduates who would have the highest official ratings in France and within the Anglo-Irish classifications since 2008.





Here are some details on the declared runners for this year’s race. ‘fam’ denotes the family number and ‘DI’ the dosage index. The sire figures pertain to the records of all three-year-old progeny to have raced over obstacles in France since 2000. The trainer figures pertain to their record in the important three-year-old debutant contests since 2008 with their history in the Prix Finot attached at the end.



As is to be expected from a race of this nature, the pedigrees of the newcomers feature some very notable relatives. The format is similar to my other previews with the numbers after the dosage index denoting the proximity of the notable relative. 0.5 = half-sibling, 1/1 = full sibling, 1/0 = dam, 2/1 = second dam is the first dam of. As this is not a conventional preview, some additional relatives are added as a bonus.

Spirit Of The Moon chg Robert Collet f10-0-1 (32/70.4) (F Vermeulen)
Sea The Moon (Cape Blanco){20-c}(0.47) 3/1 Looking Great 2nd Juvenile Maiden Hurdle, Fontwell 2005
Spirit Of The Moon 5/3 Lasting Life 5/3 Stormez 5/4 Emotional Article 5/5 Min
Manzon chc Lucie Pontoir f6-0-0 (27/59.4)
Rio De La Plata (Pivotal){5-h}(2.60) 3/1 Trenchant 1st National Spirit Hurdle (G2), Fontwell 2010
Manzon 3/1 Personal Column 4/2 Viotti 4/3 Cocody du Banco
Kamchatka bg Etienne d’Andigne Unraced
Masked Marvel (Nickname){12-b}(0.39) 2/1 Katkeau 1st 3m Handicap Chase (143), Uttoxeter 2016
Kamchatka 2/0 Levine 2/1 Kats Royale 3/1 Levanaie
Kamus blg Yannick Fouin Unraced
Masked Marvel (Sholokhov){5-h}(0.47) 2/1 Kruzhlinin 1st Fixed Brush Handicap Hurdle (G3,136), Haydock 2016
Kamus 2/1 Kiss Me Lips 2/1 Irascible 2/1 Kalooki 4/3 Kadi 5/5 State Of Play
Solisud grg Daniela Mele f1-0-0
Lord du Sud (Loup Solitaire){4-r}(0.68) 0.5 Saint Poursain 1st Prix Marc Anthony (L4yH,63), Auteuil 2016
Solisid 1/0 Ta Solitaire 2/1 The Last Derby 2/1 Heros de Villeneuve
Aimant bg Jean Baudron Unraced
Exosphere (Dansili){16-a}(3.00) 2/1 Alileo 2nd 2m Maiden Hurdle, Tramore 2014
Aimant 0.5 Aimora
Loquas grg Yannick Fouin Unraced
It’s Gino (Kaldou Star){1-u}(1.86) 2/1 Cadoudoff 2nd Wensleydale Juvenile Hurdle (L), Wetherby 2013
Loquas 2/2 Walk In The Mill 3/2 Bonita du Berlais 3/2 Bonito du Berlais etc 3/2 Mr Mole 5/1 Chinco
Topcity bc Edouard Lyon f4-0-0 (26.0/57.2)
Elusive City (Al Namix){3-n}(1.40) 0.5 Top Boy 4th 3yo Conditions Hurdle, Clairefontaine 2017
Topcity 3/1 Tocrisk 3/1 Tocblue
Numerus Borget bg David Cottin Unraced
Nicaron (Sevres Rose){2-f}(1.00) 2/1 Le Grand Luce 2nd Grande Course de Haies d’Auteuil (G1), Auteuil 2014
Numerus Borget 2/1 Ma Chere Amie 4/1 Danseur Royal 6/5 Terrefort
Royal Devil grg Mikael Mescam Unraced
American Devil (Turgeon){5-h}(1.67) 2/1 Gamin du Bronx 1st 3yo Newcomers Hurdle, Cagnes-sur-Mer 2007
Royal Devil 1/0 Tuseurat 0.5 Tulaura 2/0 Kelseurat du Casse 4/3 Soleil de Vati
Cavani Kaizen bg Daniela Mele f1-0-0
It’s Gino (Lope de Vega){22-b}(1.80) 3/2 De Senectute 1st 2m Handicap Hurdle (84), Cork 2010
Cavani Kaizen 4/4 Noland 4/4 King Of The Picts
Miralago bg Daniela Mele f1-0-0
Doctor Dino (Montmartre){9}(0.33) 2/1 Street Name 1st Prix Leon Olry-Roederer (G2), Auteuil 2015
Miralago 1/0 Street Party 2/1 Konig Drive
Seigneur des As bg Daniela Mele f1-0-0
It’s Gino (Kahyasi){8-c}(1.15) 1/0 Dallidas 2nd Prix Sagan (L,3yH), Auteuil 2011
Seigneur des As 0.5 Louanas 2/0 Dindouna 2/1 Dindounas 2/2 Sanouva 2/2 Hippomene 2/3 Haut en Couleur
No Going Back bg Arnaud Chaille-Chaille Unraced
Nathaniel (Invincible Spirit){8-a}(0.74) 0.5 Lever du Soleil 3rd Juvenile Hurdle (G3), Fairyhouse 2018
No Going Back 2/1 An Epic Song 3/1 Monsun 4/2 Modesto 5/5 Midnight Game
Illico des Bordes bg Dominique Bressou f1-0-0
Crillon (Bateau Rouge){4-n}(1.33) 0.5 Adagio des Bordes 4th Prix la Barka (G2), Auteuil 2019
Illico des Bordes 0.5 Venus des Bordes 2/0 Gamine Royale 2/1 Bossa Nova 2/2 Utopie des Bordes 2/2 Darling des Bordes etc
Conspiracy Theory chg Marcel Rolland f1-0-1
New Approach (Pivotal){14-c}(0.93) 3/2 Chadic 1st 2m Maiden Hurdle, Cork 2016
Conspiracy Theory 3/1 Fantastic Light 4/5 Roi d’Etoile

Thank you so much!

You're welcome

[Kotkijet]

Correction for the Prix Finot guide...

Just noticed that while Aimant was with Jean Baudron a few months ago, he is now under the care of David Cottin; which means Cottin has two runners rather than the one.

Apologies for any inconvenience caused!

[Kotkijet]

The fat jockey rises!!!

Annoyingly for all who missed it, the Impressive One was given a glowing preview and won at an astonishing 11/4 when he should have been odds-on. I would have reposted the preview for posterity but it was 4,235 words long and it might be rubbing it in a bit but a direct link to a blog version can be found below

https://juvenilehurdlers.wordpress.com/2021/09/18/plumpton-19th-september-preview/

Here is the review of the race...

Preview review
The winner was given a strong prospects and a quite glowing profile. Top 'reasonable prospect' rather blew his chances with a horrific blunder at the first, leaving the other 'reasonable prospect to finish a clear second. Third placed Babajan outran his odds and his position on the prospects list, although he did settle better than anticipated and his trainer's good run last term was noted. Beyond the placed horses, the well backed Aggagio's failure to live up to market expectations was not surprising based on his preview, although Prey For Glory looks unlikely to match his pedigree any time soon. Overall, a satisfactory preview with no real call for address.

Race review
This looked an above average renewal of this Plumpton contest and though Fred Bear compromised his chances with a first flight blunder, the first two were still much the best on the day. The winner especially so as he calmed down from being lit up by the early incident before putting in some very neat jumps for a juvenile and winning emphatically. Most of the field settled well during the race although there was plenty left to be desired of the jumping from those beyond the front two. The pace, set by the runner up who used the same tactics to win last time, was a sensible one which was broadly identical to the one in the opening maiden hurdle which also had a comparable winning time. With the third fourth and fifth exceeding expectations, and the favourite spoiling his chance early on, little regard can be given to the overall depth of the contest. Notwithstanding, the winner did so in a very pleasing fashion while the runner up almost certainly gave her running so there would be little reason to doubt the credentials of the front pair.

Impulsive One won one of his eight starts on the flat for William Haggas; himself a trainer whose former inmates have a healthy record in the sphere. His rating of 80 was easily justified on his recent form and he joined a Nicky Henderson yard with an exceptional record with juvenile hurdlers. Despite opening at 11/8 in the morning, he went out to 7/2 at one point on course before being trimmed back into 11/4 at the off. However, there was no rationale for his drift offered during the race itself. Tracking the leaders from the outset, he was lit up by the stumble of Fred Bear at the first, but either through the first time application of the hood, James Bowen's handling or Impulsive One's own nature, he had settled nicely after a furlong or so. He made a good impression with his jumping overall, as while he was skewed over the second and reached slightly at the next and though he went through the fifth, his round was characterised by speed, neatness and enthusiasm. Travelling strongly throughout, Impulsive One took the lead turning for home full of running and quickly established a wide advantage after the last before being eased close to the line to win by twelve lengths. This was a most taking debut performance which is difficult to denigrate at this juncture. If one were inclined to look for negatives, it could be suggested that his exuberance, while being an obvious asset, may create problems at the higher level. Moreover, his best form has been on top of the ground and as his pedigree is not conducive to the winter game, he might not fare so well on the soft. Impulsive One has subsequently been installed as the Triumph favourite with three firms which is possibly a premature move; although the 40/1 available in a place is not unreasonable. 120

The Yellow Mini was moderate at best on the flat, but had been offered as a juvenile prospect prior to her joining Michael Wigham and there is some feasibility in the pedigree. She sprang a bit of a surprise when winning on her debut at Fontwell and while that race rather fell apart, her enthusiasm for the game and the astute ride from Gavin Sheehan were also decisive factors. Steady in the market at 9/2, the front running tactics from Fontwell were employed again here and setting a sensible gallop, The Yellow Mini put in a good round of jumping with only minor errors and her wandering occasionally counting against her. She had all but one of her rivals in trouble on leaving the back and while the winner was in a different league, the remainder of the field were held by the best part of four lengths and upwards in the end. The Yellow Mini posted a new career best effort here and clearly enjoys her new vocation. Being an honest sort, she may lack the scope for much more improvement but there would still be winnable races for her off a penalty. 104

Babajan won twice on the flat for Richard Hannon and was rated 75 at his peak. However, his two outings since the end of March had been below par and as he had a tendency to pull without having raced beyond a mile, he came into this contest with stamina concerns. Making his debut for Amy Murphy, who enjoyed a fine spell last season, he was easy to back in the market as he drifted from 12/1 to 20/1 during the day's trading, and doubled in price to 40/1 in the ring. Presumably in an effort to conserve energy, he was held up from the outset. The blinkers he had worn on his last six flat outings were removed, yet Babajan settled without any fuss and although he was off the bridle midway down the back, he stayed on to jump the penultimate flight in third position where he would remain to the winning post. This is more to his credit considering that his jumping was not fantastic as he was close and untidy at four flights during the race. While Babajan did not match his flat form, this performance was a step in the right direction and having settled nicely for his new handler, there is ample potential for him to return to something like his best before too long in this sphere. 100

Dark Motive ran six times without success on the flat for Ralph Beckett and despite having a decent pedigree for jumping, had not achieved much on outings at Stratford or Worcester. Easy to back in the market, she posted a poor round of jumping as she was steady and untidy at most hurdles. Racing prominently as per usual, she kept in touch with the leaders up to the home turn and while she was unable to keep on, she did not fade as badly as she had done previously. Though beaten twenty lengths in the end, this was her best performance to date in the sphere and she might end up being competitive in the right race off a fair mark. 89

Baby Sham won a Chelmsford handicap off 56 on her penultimate outing for Stuart Williams and being a daughter of Sir Percy, is not unfeasibly bred for the game. Her debut outing at Newton Abbot was not without promise although she did not complete next time at Stratford. Sent off at 50/1, her longest price over hurdles to date, Baby Sham was held up towards the rear but made enough progress to be within touching distance of the leaders turning into the straight. This would be the extent of her effort as she finished a twenty-six length fifth. Her hurdling was also similar to previous efforts as she was untidy over the first two, reasonable in the middle section of the race before getting close to four and two out. Baby Sham ran her best race over hurdles to day and while she is still short of her flat best, is another who might find things easier with a handicap mark and could be of more interest with more give in the ground. 82

Fred Bear was modest on the flat but had the profile to make a better hurdler. He had improved with every outing over hurdles and finally got off the mark last time at Stratford. Though not the strongest contest, his attitude and ability were enough to see him go off the well backed 13/8 favourite. However, he made a complete mess of the first where he skewed very badly and lost his footing on landing to the extent that Marc Goldstein did very well to maintain the partnership. Fred Bear remained in his prominent position behind the leader and while he was cautious over the second and slightly skewed over the third, his hurdling was fine for most of the contest. He was still amongst the vanguard on the home turn, but was travelling much the worst of the front three and soon faded in the straight, making tired errors over the last two flights. As he had been progressive over hurdles up to this point, it would be safe to say that this was not Fred Bear at his best and this underperformance can almost certainly be attributed to his first flight error. Assuming he can recover from this outing, Fred Bear should return to his usual, respectable standard when he next takes to the racecourse. 94

Aggagio was an emphatic winner of a Morlaix claimer for Jean-Claude Rouget and he ran with credit for Sophie Leech on his first two flat outings in Britain. His hurdling debut at Stratford was not good but he returned to winning ways in a relatively valuable Goodwood seller whereafter he joined Gary Moore for ?23,000. While this switch in yards had no real statistical reason to assume a much better performance on his return to hurdling, Aggagio was very well backed during the day, starting at 7/2 having been available at 10/1 in the morning. Buzzy down at the start, Aggagio never looked like justifying the plunge as he made errors at all of his flights and never left the rear. While this performance is more rateable than his last, it is still stones away from his flat best and a return to that discipline looks the better option. 87

Prey For Glory, being a Free Eagle cousin of Mourad, is tremendously bred for the game and should be able to improve on a respectable flat career that saw him placed third on five occasions and finish with a rating of 63. However, he lacked fluency on his debut at Stratford and while he was better over the early flights here, he raced keenly in midfield and weakened before leaving the back. While Prey For Glory may have more feasible openings on softer ground, his inability to settle will continue to cause problems for the time being. 63

Tara Iti has the credentials to do respectably in the sphere but has been very disappointing thus far over hurdles. Running in a first time hood and starting at 33/1, he raced keenly in the rear as per his previous outings. Though he clipped and skewed over the first, his next three jumps were some of his best seen to date. However, he was steady and close at the fifth and his last three jumps befitted a tired horse. Unless Tara Iti shows better form on soft ground with a handicap mark, he is quickly running out of excuses. 54

Business Flight was a regressive maiden on the flat and though he jumped adequately on his jumps bow at Worcester, still finished tailed off. It was fairly similar here over the first four flights but he was soon getting detached after passing the stands whereafter his jumping became slow. He was pulled up before entering the straight. 0

Sir Taweel won on the flat for Mohamed Moubarak and has a reasonable profile for the game. However, his first two outings at Stratford and Fontwell were poor and this was his worst showing to date. Though slightly slow over the first two, he hurdled well enough until going through the top of the sixth. However, he was keen early, never left the rear and was pulled up before two out. With his yard going through a lean spell, he may fare better with a mark once his trainer is in better form. Although this would still be far from assured based on all evidence thus far. 0

[Kotkijet]

I did not preview the Listowel race due to my being an obstinate radical vegan... But I am still reasonable enough to review the race

Preview review
No preview was written due to the partial boycott of HRI for their handling of the Stephen Mahon case. Had one been written, Too Bright might have had the strongest prospects but he was unexpectedly let down by his jumping. Feigh was another disappointment but the form of her debut win was not up to much and as that was the extent of her racecourse experience, an assessment of her consistency could not have been made. Beyond this pair, the remainder of the experienced runners finished in line with their previous ratings.

Race review
The strongest race held in Ireland thus far, it is often a contest where participants go on to have an impact on the season's better races. Guitar Pete, who won this in 2013, and the 2019 runner-up A Wave Of The Sea would each win at the highest level while Chief Justice, Stocktons Wing and Rashaan are among several who scored in pattern company. The field assembled for this year's renewal was the most substantial available with four promising unbeaten sorts facing the starter. However, while the race ended up going to one who reversed debut placings, the first four places will filled by experienced runners with the fifth going to highest rated flat recruit in the contest. The pace was a fairly even one although the winning time was not especially strong when compared to other races on the card. Several of these failed to settle and the overall standard of jumping was not up to a race of its level. While the front seven put a distance between themselves and the outsiders, they were covered by a half-dozen lengths jumping the last. Despite this being the deepest field assembled in the division thus far, a couple did disappoint and the race's metrics are patchy. A few of these may go onto better things, but the form may not be particularly strong or reliable as it stands.

Bell Ex One had already faced the starter on sixteen occasions prior to his hurdling debut, but this dual winner has been running consistently since the spring and ran to a new career when landing a fourteen furlong handicap at Galway on his final flat outing. Ray Cody had yet to have a winning juvenile from four and sire Excelebration had a lamentable record, but his trainer earmarked a hurdling career for Bell Ex One after his Galway win and his debut at Down Royal when staying on behind Realist was very credible. He was well backed first time over hurdles and the support was maintained for his second outing, starting at 4/1 having been 7/1 in the morning. Ridden more positively here, he was initially tucked in behind the leaders but was racing alongside the leader for much of the second circuit. Moving into a narrow advantage turning into the straight, Bell Ex One sealed the race with an impressive turn of foot on the approach to the last and he ran out a decisive three length winner. His hurdling had improved from his debut outing and in contrast to Down Royal, his early jumping was much more fluent. He did begin to make mistakes as the tempo increased as he was steady and slightly untidy at three out, got in close when wandering into the penultimate flight and was steady again at the last where he clipped his way through the top of the flight. Nevertheless, the overall assessment of his hurdling would be a positive one with scope for improvement in his hurdling at speed. While a couple of his rivals underperformed and the field was in a bunch in the straight, this matches the best of Bell Ex One's flat form. Though he might not emerge as the best from this field by the end of the season, Bell Ex One is a versatile and consistent type with a good attitude so he should be able to hold his own in good company. 115

Realist was formerly trained by Michael Bell, whose former inmates have a healthy winner to runner rate of 30.77%. He won one of his eight starts on the flat, a Chelmsford handicap off 65 back in April, and his official rating of 74 was the third highest brought into the race. Shaping like a stayer on the flat, this nephew of Oaks runner-up Flight Of Fancy, herself the dam of two winning hurdlers, gave sire Camelot his first winner of the season when scoring very comfortably at Down Royal three weeks prior. Having his first run for Gordon Elliott, he drifted from 2/1 during the day, he was clipped into 10/3 at the off having opened at 9/2 in the ring. Similar to reopposing rival Bell Ex One, Realist was ridden more prominently than at Down Royal and along with being keen in the early stages, was tracking the front runners throughout. He moved smoothly into the vanguard turning in but was quickly outpaced on the run to the last where he missed his stride and stumbled on landing. This did not cost him a great deal of momentum and though the winner was not for catching in any case, Realist did put four lengths between himself and the remainder of the field. Apart from being very steady and untidy at the first, getting close to the fourth and his error at the last, Realist posted a decent round of jumping. He emerges best at these weights and his performance marks a new career high. There will likely be stronger juveniles moving into Cullentra House in due course, but Realist is another who can be competitive in decent events. 118

Calvados failed to reach the frame in six outings on the flat, prior to her hurdles debut at Ballinrobe, but her latest efforts in that sphere have been her strongest to date. She was well backed ahead of her jumps bow and justified the support with a cosy success. Calvados maintained her form with a spin on the flat at Navan towards the end of August and despite facing representatives from more famous yards, was not unfancied in the market as she started at 13/2 having opened at 8/1. Simon Torrens, who has ridden out his claim since guiding Calvados to victory, placed Calvados in a prominent position. However, Calvados did not do herself many favours as she was given to wandering and made numerous errors that had not been present on her debut. She wandered when slightly big at the second, got in tight when clipping the third, missed the fifth, was close at the sixth and seventh before being slightly big at the last. Though outpaced by the front two, she kept on well enough to finish a clear third and while she could have finished closer with a better round, just about ran up to her Ballinrobe form here. Calvados falls short of the top level, but she could be capable of defying her penalty, particularly with fillies' races being an option. 109

Too Bright took ten attempts to get off the mark on the flat, but showed considerable improvement when running away with a Roscommon handicap off 58 in first time tongue strap. A hurdling career was mooted post race and after being backed in from 5/1 to 3/1 at Ballinrobe nine days earlier, Too Bright made a fine start to his new vocation. Overcoming early errors, he ran out an emphatic winner from a decent looking field; marking himself as a potentially serious recruit to the game. However, having been somewhat weak in the ring, drifting from 9/4 to 11/4, he failed to maintain his strong impression here. Held up in touch, Too Bright made just two good jumps, at five and six, and was steady, careless and/or untidy at the other six flights. He began to get niggled along towards the end of the back and found himself outpaced on the home turn. Though he kept on up the straight, a poor jump at the last cost him third and he was beaten nine lengths in the end. His reputation has inevitably taken a knock, but there are viable reasons to maintain faith in the horse. While his needing to jump better is an obvious criticism, it is worth noting that this was his third outing in as many weeks. Furthermore, with this race being two furlongs shorter and ran on better ground at a steadier tempo than at Ballinrobe, it is probable that Too Bright did not have ideal conditions here. 112

Inca Prince made a winning debut for Henry de Bromhead last September at Dundalk and left the yard with a rating of 86 after finishing sixth in a listed race there in early March. However, his three outings for new trainer Cormac Farrell (no winning juvenile from five going into this race) resulted in him standing on himself in the stalls, refusing to race and finishing detached. Though he was running beyond a mile for the first time and was sent off a 125/1 outsider, there was cause for optimism in the pedigree. Fast Company has a strong winner to runner rate of 34.78% with juveniles going into the race while the useful Definate Spectacle appears at 3/1 on the damline. Held up in the rear, Inca Prince took a keen hold during the early stages and was not especially fluent over the second or third. Nevertheless, he jumped and settled better going onto the second circuit and made steady headway before turning for home in the leading pack. He made mistakes over the last two which cost him momentum, but was able to win the battle for fifth on the run-in. Inca Prince completely outran his odds and though he is still some way off his earlier flat form, this was a definite step in the right direction and he ought to be competitive in ordinary company going forward. 105

Virtual Hug was twice placed on the flat, although he never ran beyond a mile in that sphere and had a tendency to pull in his races. Withdrawn from his intended hurdling debut at Ballinrobe due to the ground being on the soft side of good, he ran a creditable race from the front when sixth on his hurdling debut at Down Royal. A quietly fancied outsider here, trimmed to 33/1 from an opening 50/1, he was ridden with more restraint than on his debut as he was held up in mid division. His hurdling had been sound but for minor faults at Down Royal and it was much the same here with his only errors being slightly skewed at the first, reaching at the fourth, being steady at the sixth and getting tight at two out. Turning for home, he was bringing in the remaining group but was unable to make any further progress and would only pass the fading Feigh in the straight. While this performance was an improvement from his debut, the conditions were probably ideal here and although a modest contest is within his scope, this is probably the extent of Virtual Hug's ability. 104

Feigh passed through the ring as a foal without selling, attracting a bid of only €1,800. By Well Chosen and related to Belmount (2/1), Afistfullofdollars (3/2) and Black Humour (4/1), she is bred more to be a staying chaser than a juvenile hurdler. Going into her debut at Killarney, unraced debutants had a strike rate of just 2.24% in all juvenile hurdles since 2004/05 and were she with any other trainer, she would have started as an outsider. However, her trainer being Willie Mullins she was well supported that day and ran out a very easy winner despite almost being carried out with a circuit to go. The form in behind does not amount to much, but while she was slightly uneasy in the market, she was still sent off the 9/4 favourite here. Disputing the lead in the early stages before getting a clear advantage turning away from the stands, Feigh was joined by the winner along the back. Though she raced keenly for much of the contest, Feigh still appeared to be travelling well enough on the turn for home. However, she was in trouble before entering the straight and would only fade from thereon before finishing twelve and a half lengths behind the winner. Her jumping was a mixed bag as while she was clean enough over half of her hurdles, her round deteriorated as she tired and she was also untidy over the third and fourth; errors which were likely caused by her disinclination to settle. Feigh is still very much a work in progress although while everything she does this season is the proverbial bonus, this outing perhaps shows that she may be limited by her inexperience and pedigree in the short term. 104

Willows Way was making her racecourse debut here, which placed her in a category of horses with a poor first-time record in this discipline. Representing a trainer whose sole juvenile failed to win, she is closer related to Dubai Millennium (3/2) than anything with hurdling form; although Sire French Navy and damsire Green Desert do have fair records in the sphere. Sent off at 250/1, she jumped slowly and untidily in the rear and though her hurdling improved and she finished best of the outclassed horses, she was still tailed off in the end. There was a modicum of encouragement for the long term, although nothing that would warrant enthusiasm any time soon. 68

Rich Law No Law had only smatterings of modest form on the flat and he improved marginally between his first two outings over hurdles at Ballinrobe and Killarney, he had still achieved little of note. Starting at 250/1, he raced towards the rear and made mistakes throughout without ever getting involved. While this was the closest he has finished behind the winner over hurdles, it still leaves him with much to find before he can become competitive. 71

Astrophysicist, a moderate if not hopeless maiden on the flat, is by a sire with three winners from twelve in the sphere and along with being a half-brother to the fairly capable chaser Da Vinci Hand, is also distantly related to useful juveniles Gardens of Babylon, Brexit and Elham Valley at 4/4. Unfancied in the market, Astrophysicist went to the front at the start but was already losing his position passing the stands. His round was littered with some very untidy jumping and he ultimately finished well beaten. 67

Putonthenews finished nearer last than first on all nine flat outings with only moderate form shown at his peak at Dundalk during the winter. Trainer James Nash does get his fair share of winners in the division and the damline contains pattern class jumpers in Gaspar (2/1) and Flaxen Flare (3/2). Putonthenews was not fancied here however, and while his jumping was not atrocious, he never got involved having raced keenly in the rear. 64

King Wasp came here after an eleven race flat career which culminated with a mark of 43. His sire has yet to win with his ten previous juvenile hurdlers and the closest winning jumper on the damline is Mellow Music at 3/1 who won a handicap off 74 at Kilbeggan. Racing in first time tongue tie, King Wasp raced towards the rear of midfield, hopped over the second, was slow at the fourth and fifth before finishing virtually pulled up. 18

[Kotkijet]

The big prospects list has been updated to include eight more juveniles.

While it would be too large to post here, it can be found either on twitter;

https://twitter.com/HarchibaldS/status/1440394699659907085

or directly on the blogpost

https://juvenilehurdlers.wordpress.com/2021/09/21/juvenile-hurdle-prospects-for-2021-22-3/

In case you are unsure about whether you want to look at it, here is a list of the contents.



Thank you

[Istabraq]

The big prospects list has been updated to include eight more juveniles.

Great to see these updates K, terrific work…

[Kotkijet]

Appreciate it Istabraq

Though exciting though the Triumph candidates are, there is still joy to be derived from watching tomorrow's contest at Perth!

25% share still available in Aliomaana apparently...

Perth, and Scotland, host their second juvenile hurdle of the season, and month, on Thursday. Held each year since the turn of the century, this race's average winners' seasonal RPR of 107.89 is well below average. Notwithstanding, it has been contested by some capable sorts down the years with Spirit Of Park (2000) and Aviation (2005) following up in the Wensleydale, Bula Rose (2001) and Cornell Precedent (third in 2007) finishing second in that Wetherby contest, while 2018 third Cornerstone Lad would go on to win a Fighting Fifth. This year's edition is headed by Aliomaana who looked to set to get off the mark over course and distance eighteen days ago but for falling at the last. She is the sole experienced hurdler in the line-up with her opposition consisting entirely of jumps newcomers. Nevertheless, it is still a trappy looking affair as each of the debutants have positives in their profiles; three of whom are having their first starts for new trainers. A flat, right handed circuit, Perth's easy configuration and generally firmer ground contribute to higher DIs than average of 1.50 median, and 1.58 mean. The clear round rate of 98.12% is the fifth highest in Britain and is also one of the kinder tracks for hurdling newcomers. However, as the ground is currently riding Good to Soft and with showers forecast the evening before this race, the trip may take more getting than usual.

Chica Boom chg Ian Williams f3-0-0 (64) 67
Tamayuz (Motivator){7-a}(1.12) 2/1 Under Oath 1st 4yo Maiden Hurdle, Down Royal 2005
Of the trainers represented in this contest, Ian Williams has had the most juvenile hurdlers under his care, and his winner to runner rate of 19.64% is a solid one. That rate increases to 41.67% when accounting for those he also trained on the flat, although it drops to 0% when the official rating falls below 75. Chica Boom is one such horse who switches to hurdling after being allotted a mark of 64. He posted the strongest of his three outings on his debut in late June when finishing seventh of nine in a novice stakes at Chester over an extended seven furlongs. Stepping up to ten furlongs on his next two starts, he failed to match that performance but was not given a hard time by his rider. Withdrawn from his intended handicap bow at Thirsk in mid-August, he embarks on a vocation for which he is not unfeasibly bred. Tamayuz has a respectable 28.57% winner to runner rate in the sphere with half of his progeny improving for the switch in codes. Damsire Motivator has failed to match his strong record as a sire, but Chica Boom is still a cousin of Under Oath, who won a maiden hurdle at four, and a nephew of Whyzzat who landed Ireland's curtain raiser at Roscommon in early August. There are elements of potential in the profile of Chica Boom, although he has yet to match any of his rivals in terms of performance on the flat.

Olympus bg Patrick Neville f6-0-3 (66) 69
Kingman (Montjeu){2-f}(1.00) 2/1 John Constable 1st Swinton Handicap Hurdle (G3,134), Haydock 2017
Kingman has made a fine start to his career as a flat stallion, although while he is a decent height at 16.1hh, he is also an Invincible Spirit nephew of Oasis Dream which could explain why his best result over hurdles from five runners is a twenty-two length third in a Uttoxeter maiden. His representative here, Olympus, is at least bred to give him a chance as he is a nephew of the talented John Constable, and while Montjeu is not as successful as a damsire as he is a sire, his broodmares' progeny still win their fair share in the sphere. Starting his career with Tim Easterby, whose former inmates have a 20% winner to runner rate, Olympus earned a rating of 67 after thrice finishing down the field at two. Returning at the start of June in a fourteen furlong maiden handicap at Redcar, he managed to look very slow for a Kingman while finishing an eleven length third in a field that returned at wide intervals. Olympus filled the same position at the end of the month over the same trip at Thirsk, but while he still looked slow, he probably would have finished second if kept up to his work. Three weeks later, he managed to get his runner-up spot at Doncaster over two furlongs shorter, although ironically, he was probably gifted this placing by a discombobulated rival. Since then, Olympus sold for ?14,000 at the Goffs August Sale to join Irish handler Partick Neville. While without any prize money from his two previous juveniles, the Limerick trainer has had a successful raid on Perth in the past, although both of his runners at the track on Wednesday were tailed off. Olympus holds Nastasiya on their Redcar encounter, but his breeding is the proverbial curate's egg and despite the forecast rain, he has yet to show he has the pace to match a couple of his rivals.

Ultra Violet bg N W Alexander f9-2-2 (35.0/77) 80
Sea The Moon (Lando){7}(0.54) 2/1 Russian Invader 1st Juvenile Maiden Hurdle, Folkestone 2007

https://www.equidia.fr/chevaux/ultra-violet-1

Local trainer Nick Alexander has saddled just two juvenile hurdlers since 2004/05, but while Academy finished last of five on his sole outing at Ayr in April 2012, Wakool did win a novices' handicap at Doncaster in January 2020. This season, he has two juveniles on his books already in 58,000 guineas purchase Sanosuke and Ultra Violet who went unsold for €26,000 at Arqana. Like Wakool, Ultra Violet is another Flat import from France and with nine runs to his name, is the most experienced horse in this line-up. He finished third on his debut over seven furlongs at Nantes last June, but would need six more outings and a switch to the Jo?l Boisnard yard before he bettered that position with a second at Sable dur Sarthe on the Second of May, to a filly who predominantly competes in claimers. Ultra Violet finally earned his first win a fortnight latter at Nantes over a mile on sticky ground. Though racing freely on the outer, he took up the running with a furlong to run before winning by a cosy three-and-a-half lengths from handicappers rated 68.2 and 72.6. Towards the end of the month, he followed up under top weight in a good ground mile handicap at Angers off a mark of 32,0 (70.4). Held up towards the rear, he was quite enthusiastic once again but despite having more ahead of him than behind turning for home, ran on strongly to lead inside the final furlong and win with a little more in hand than the neck margin at the line suggests. Though the class of race was nothing extraordinary, the form has been held up by the principals running into places in subsequent outings. Jo?l Boisnard has supplied eight juveniles to the division since 2008/09 with three of his former charges winning during their first campaigns in Britain. The sirelines are also encouraging as four of Sea The Moon's thirteen juveniles have been winners, including Tritonic, Allmankind and Gealach, while damsire Lando has a winner to runner rate of 35.71% with seven of his nine qualifying charges improving for the switch in code. Furthermore, the second dam has produced two winning hurdlers including Russian Invader who won in the division in 2007. Overall, Ultra Violet has yet to race beyond an extended mile, he is versatile insofar as ground is concerned while his breeding and racing style suggest he should get the trip. His keenness might be a concern and with the yard without a winner since June, he may not be fully would first time. Nevertheless, he looks an interesting recruit to the sphere and could give Aliomaana a plenty to ponder.

Aliomaana chf Milton Harris f5-0-2 (74) 75 j2-0-1 (-) 90 100
Raven's Pass (Sea The Stars){8-f}(1.29) 2/1 Celestial Force 1st 2m1f Handicap Hurdle (120), Newton Abbot 2021
https://twitter.com/MFHarrisRacing/s...76350452240388
Though she failed to win for John Gosden, Aliomaana grabbed a couple of seconds on the all weather prior to fetching 17,000 guineas at the Tattersalls July Sale. Juveniles formerly trained by John Gosden often leave little wriggle room for their new handlers, although Milton Harris got three wins out of Pyramid Place last term and was unlucky not to make it two from two at this venue eighteen days ago. Quietly fancied ahead of her hurdling debut at Stratford in August, she was not the tidiest jumper but raced with plenty of enthusiasm before tiring late on to finish third. The first part of that story was similar at Perth as, pulling herself into the lead shortly after the start, she was slightly distracted when steady at the first, but got over the second alright despite wandering on the approach. Though still fairly fresh, she had settled into a sensible rhythm up front and while she was rather skewed at the third and briefly lost her footing on some loose turf passing the stands, was still decent enough over the next. Hopping through the next in a fashion quite accurately described by Mike Cattermole as unconventional, Mitch Bastyan cajoled her at the right moment over the next two and got very neat leaps out of her in the process. While Aliomaana briefly looked in danger from the looming presence of New Reality, she bounded on nicely on the run to the last and appeared the likeliest winner at the time. Unfortunately, having a lapse in concentration, she did not lift her feet high enough and ended up rolling onto the ground. Mercifully, she got up ok and as seen in a video posted last week, her confidence looks unaffected and she was on very good terms with herself. Although she would still be a good half-stone from her best flat form, this represented a decent leap forward from her debut at Stratford. Her consistency on the flat and promise over hurdles would make her more than capable of gaining compensation at this level. One uncertainty might arise from her having yet to encounter soft ground on turf, but she has performed on slower than standard on the all weather and close relatives have won on easier ground. Aliomaana sets the standard with her experience and the yard being in fine form along with a potentially easy lead serve only to enhance her credentials.

Nastasiya chf Tristan Davidson f7-0-3 (66) 72
Archipenko (With Approval){5-h}(1.00) 1/1 Timoshenko 1st 2m Novices' Hurdle, Uttoxeter 2020
The most expensive participant to have fallen under the hammer in recent months, Nastasiya fetched 29,000 guineas at the Tattersalls July Sale. Trained on the flat by Ed Walker, whose subsequent juvenile hurdlers count one winner from eight, Nastasiya placed third on her first two outings at Haydock and Newbury before wrapping up 2020 by finishing down the field off 73 at Wolverhampton. Though not beaten far on her Kempton reappearance, her mark fell to 66 before she returned to form when last seen at the end of June in a ten furlong Bath handicap on good to firm. Running in first time blinkers, Nastasiya took a keen hold in midfield early on, but settled better as the race progressed and while she lacked the pace to get near the winner, she did finish over four lengths clear of the remainder. Nastasiya is set to be Tristan Davidson's second juvenile hurdler, with his first, Chingachgook, scoring at the third time of asking in March 2019; although the yard is without a winning jumper from twenty since April. None of Archipenko's eleven juveniles have won from twenty-seven attempts, but Nastasiya's full-brother Timoshenko did win a Uttoxeter novice as a five-year-old, and cousin Archer's Up won a Limerick maiden at six. Though she weakened from the front at Redcar behind Olympus over fourteen furlongs, the trip here should be within her compass and her flat ability is sufficient to be competitive at this level. Nevertheless, the sire's record in the division and the form of her trainer's jumpers do temper enthusiasm.

tl;dr
Chica Boom - Trainer has decent record with those he also trained on flat, albeit with better rated horses. Feasibly bred for hurdling but needs to bridge a class defecit.

Olympus - Fair maiden on flat for Tim Easterby. Top sire has not made a good start with his jumpers and while a nephew of the talented John Constable, Olympus may lack the pace to get seriously involved.

Ultra Violet - Trainer making interesting forays into the juvenile hurdling scene and his ex-French recruit has decent flat form. Bred for the game and likely to stay, but may not be at his best first time.

Aliomaana - Respectable flat form for John Gosden and has made promising start to hurdling career. Likeliest winner when falling at the last over course and distance earlier in the month. Sets standard, yard in form and may even get an easy lead.

Nastasiya - Thrice placed on flat and should stay this trip. Full-sister to a winning hurdler but not bred to hit peak jumping form at three and yard's jumpers are not in full swing.

Strong prospects
1. Aliomaana
Reasonable prospects
2. Ultra Violet
Feasible/ Moderate prospects
3. Olympus
4. Chica Boom
5. Nastasiya

[Kotkijet]

Preview review
The winner, who was given the 'strong prospects' had a very solid profile and her getting an easy lead was also raised. Her winning distance of twenty-nine lengths perhaps exceeded expectations, but she was able to make her experience tell and her opponents each had holes in their profiles. Ultra Violet rather disappointed although it was noted that he might not be wound up first time and he did take a long walk in the market. Runner-up Chica Boom started the day as rank outsider but was not at the bottom of the prospects list. That said, outside of the top pair, the remainder were given 'feasible/moderate' prospects and their much of a muchness-ness was reflected in their performances. While it could not have been anticipated that all bar the winner would jump so slowly, although three of whom were representing trainers with little experience in the sphere, the preview was a satisfactory one overall.

Race review
Aliomaana first, the rest nowhere. Her winning margin was probably exacerbated by the fact she was the only runner who could jump efficiently, but it still stands that she had much the strongest profile going into the race. Furthermore, while the pace she set was a strong one, even compared to those posted in the two novice hurdles and the handicap on the card, that her winning time was upwards of two seconds quicker than each contest attests that not only was this a solid performance in its own right, but it dispels any notion that she was given too much rope by the other jockeys. Beyond the winner, the remainder of the field returned at margins of thirteen, fifteen and twenty-six lengths so while these horses may progress from here at varying rates, it is difficult to argue that there is not merit to their positions on the day.

Aliomaana had respectable flat form without winning for John Gosden and after a promising hurdling debut at Stratford, was unlucky to break her duck over this course and distance last time out; falling when looking the likeliest winner. She started the day as even money favourite here and though she drifted during the morning and reached 7/4 on course, she was trimmed into 11/8 at the off. She was a little buzzy down at the start, but this is more due to her lively character than any temperament issues. Aliomaana was sent straight into the lead and showing good speed both over the hurdles and in between, her advantage was a wide one by the time she passed the stands. It would be folly to suggest her rivals gave her too generous a lead however as they were constrained by their own slow jumping as much as they were outpaced by the leader. Furthermore, while Aliomaana had been untidy at times during her first two spins over hurdles, save for an unorthodox quasi-hop at the first and getting tight at the second; neither imperfection costing her any momentum; she was very neat and nimble here. Putting in another acceleration three from home, she travelled strongly to the penultimate flight where she wandered on the approach and got in rather close. She was ridden away from that hurdle before being allowed to jump the last as steadily as she liked. Popping over the final hurdle, she was pushed out to see the race through, crossing the line twenty-nine lengths clear of a spread-eagled field. While the margin may appear to be too good to be true, and her rivals did jump slowly, her completing the course in a time at least two seconds quicker than any of the older horses in the other three races held at the trip on the card affords her performance a great deal of substance. Surpassing what she achieved on the flat for John Gosden, Aliomaana also achieved the highest rating by a juvenile filly either in Britain or in Ireland. On the basis of today's outing, Aliomaana would surely be up to defying a penalty in a similar contest and while plenty can happen between now and Aintree, it is not completely fanciful that she can even collect some black type. 118

Chica Boom finished closer to last than first during three flat outings, resulting in a rating of 64. He was withdrawn from his latest intended start after getting upset in the stalls, but while he had a bit to find on form with his rivals, he is not unfeasibly bred for the discipline; being a son Tamayuz closely related to young winning hurdlers. Starting the day at 18/1, he received outside support through the day, shortening to 8/1 at the off. Settled in third position, he raced lazily in the opening stages and his cause was not helped by his invariably big, slow and often skewed hurdling. Chica Boom had a dozen lengths to gain on the second leaving the back, but had the measure of that horse jumping two out and while he had no chance with the winner, he did finish thirteen lengths clear of the remainder. However, even with the winner excluded, his slow hurdling prevents this from being described as a pleasing debut. Notwithstanding, while he failed to match his flat form, Chica Boom was still the least experienced runner in this field so he would have the scope to at least be competitive in a similar contest. 96

Nastasiya was thrice placed on the flat and while her sire has a modest record in the sphere, she is a full-sister to a winning hurdler. Steady in the market and starting at 7/2, she raced keenly in the early stages and was conspicuously big and slow at the first. Heading the pursuit of the leader, she was fine at the second after wandering on the approach, but steady and untidy at the next before being big and slow from there. Losing second on the run to two out, she was ultimately beaten forty-two lengths. Nastasiya was a good couple of stone from her flat form and though she can improve with experience, there was little to foment short term enthusiasm. 76

Ultra Violet won his last two races in France for Jo?l Boisnard and his form and breeding were strong enough to make him an interesting recruit to the division as a whole. It was not assured that he would be fully wound first time and this sentiment was reflected in the market as he drifted from a morning show of 7/2 to 8/1 at flagfall. Held up in the rear, his hurdling went from big to slow to getting in too close to his hurdles before jumping the last two in his own time. Even when accounting for a lack of fitness and experience, this was a poor showing. Nevertheless, he was having his first run since May so given the strength of his profile, he can be afforded another opportunity before any rash conclusions are drawn. 68

Olympus is a nephew of the talented hurdler John Constable and though he showed himself a relatively slow horse, his flat form over the summer for Tim Easterby was still enough to see him sent off the 10/3 second favourite. However, while his hurdling was not as bad as his other rivals outside of Aliomaana, he still lacked speed and fluency and would be relegated from fourth to fifth with six furlongs left to race. Kept up to his work without being sternly ridden, he ultimately finished eighty-three lengths last of five. Though it may be too soon to write him off as a hurdler, there was little to enthuse over in this performance which may be in keeping with his sire's poor record over jumps. 42