Juvenile Hurdlers 2020/2021

[Kotkijet]

There was a delay to the whole catching up with the reviews thing as my precarious situation saw the caravan becoming unavailable and necessitated a temporary move to Newcastle where a friend has a few weeks remaining on a tenancy for an empty flat. This is actually quite fortuitous as while I will be unable to indulge myself in the awesomeness that is Geordieland, I do have a toilet if nothing else. I will also be able to order the LUCKY 9 VEGAN MEGA BOX. Basically, it is a pizza box filled with mini spring rolls, chips, deep fried tofu and Japanese vegetable gyoza with salt and pepper chilli. It is the greasiest, saltiest box of pure filth to ever insult the planet. But I love it so much that I get irrationally angry just thinking about it and the thought of knocking a year off my life by gorging on same makes me more excited than any other sensual experience known to humanity. But there is still work to be caught up on so I will exercise monastic levels of temperance by foregoing the LUCKY 9 VEGAN MEGA BOX until all reviews are up to date. There are seventy-two performances reviewed in this current batch which leaves fifty-two outstanding. Hopefully these can be finished by Boxing Day eve eve so the previews for the festive races can be done in time.

If I have missed anything prior to the 12th of December then please let me know.

LIMERICK 1st December
Preview review
No preview was written due to circumstances. Crassus had upwards of thirty pounds in hand over his rivals with hurdling experience and while a couple of the newcomers brought flat ratings in the eighties, they each had elements detrimental to their profiles. Palm Beach is an entire and while Galileo and Joseph O'Brien have solid records in the sphere, they do underachieve somewhat when accounting for the quality of flat recruits. Zoffanien's trainer gets winning juveniles but the strike rate is a low one.

Race review
While Limerick sometimes attracts respectable sorts, this was only the second pre-Christmas juvenile held at since 2006 so there would be little to gauge from race trends. Nevertheless, the winner had posted respectable efforts in defeat and there were two newcomers rated above 80. That these three would finish clear of the remainder bodes well for the form. The pace was fairly steady which is understandable in the conditions, but it was not ran at a dawdle as the winning time was quicker than that posted in the concluding bumper.

Crassus had failed to win in twelve outings prior to this contest, but had posted respectable efforts over hurdles behind Duffle Coat and Glorious Zoff, and was in the process of running a big race when falling at Ballinrobe on his penultimate outing. That fall appeared to affect his confidence as his jumping was less assured last time out. However, the clear round had a positive effect as his jumping was as fluent as ever and he made no discernible errors. Crassus led or disputed from the outset and though he was almost joined on the run to the penultimate flight, he never looked in any real trouble and was able to assert his superiority to the tune of just over a length. He wandered a little on the run-in and did not respond delightfully to the whip so while he was able to dispatch of these rivals, he may not fare well in a battle against rivals of equal ability on a given day. Nevertheless, this was a deserved success and would probably mark a new career best. Though unlikely to trouble the best in the division, there are other races for him to win. 126

Palm Beach is the second ex-Ballydoyle runner for the yard this season. Though holding a Derby entry after the first scratchings deadline, Palm Beach did not make the racecourse until September when fourth at Tipperary. He got off the mark later that month in a heavy ground, twelve furlong maiden at Listowel. The second won a maiden next time while the third subsequently took a listed hurdle, with the trio over seven lengths clear of the remainder. A brother to St Leger third Southern France, out of a half-sister to Prix de Diane runner-up Abbatiale, Palm Beach is bred in a manner befitting his Derby entry. Nevertheless, the pedigree is not bereft of useful jumpers as the damline features the likes of Flash Ball (3/1), Amant Gris (3/2) and Triumph Hurdle third Boarding School (4/2). Although he drifted from 8/13, Palm Beach still started a shade of odds-on to make a winning hurdling debut and traded as low as 1.3 to do so. However, he was not helped by some novicey jumping as he got in close to several of his hurdles as well as steadying into the fourth. He was green in the closing stages, but this was due to his inexperience rather than any obvious recalcitrance and was simply beaten by a horse with a better idea about the game. Palm Beach emerges with plenty of credit and has the size and scope to develop into a useful type in due course. 124

Zoffanien was available at 16/1 in the morning, but went off at 6/1. While this movement has the hallmarks of a plunge, there was no reason to be as large as he was as his flat form and pedigree afforded him credible prospects. He won two of his starts for Yan Durepaire, including a 2300 metre good ground Dax handicap off an equivalent mark of 77 back in July. Two of Yan Durepaire's four exports to the division have been winners and Zoffanien, after fetching €60,000 at the Arqana Deauville Summer Sale, is the most expensive. He is also the most expensive purchase in the division for a trainer who gets winners but has a poor strike rate. After getting in close to the first, Zoffanien was ridden into the second with satisfactory results and from there, he posted a nice round of jumping for a newcomer. Initially held up in midfield, he joined the leaders with three furlongs to race and although he never posed a severe threat on the front pair, he beaten to second by less than three lengths and was nineteen lengths clear of the third. He was fairly keen early on which is fair given his layoff and it did not take too long for him to settle. This was a nice introduction to the discipline and he is capable of winning an ordinary contest. 121

The Truant raced nine times on the flat for Jessica Harrington, placing once in a Dundalk maiden over an extended ten furlongs back in February. Though initially rated 72, his mark dropped to 66 after three lesser handicap runs and his last run on the flat came the middle of July. He since left Jessica Harrington to join a yard which is less prolific in the division. Nevertheless, his being by Mastercraftsman is a big positive in the sphere. Held up in the opening stages, The Truant got in close to the first and third flights. Nevertheless, he jumped cleanly thereafter and was able to progress along the back without getting quite close enough to challenge. While lacking the class of the front three, it was not a debut without promise and there appears to be little reason why he can not do as well over hurdles as he had done on the flat. 112

Saga Malta lacked fluency on her debut and fell at the third on her second appearance. Apart from being untidy at the first two, she put in a fair round and though beaten twenty-six lengths, put up a career best effort here. She has yet to show herself capable of winning an ordinary contest and will have better chances in handicap company. 92

Flylikeaneagle quartered in price from an 100/1 available in the morning but was unable to justify the support. He was slow at the first and got in close to the fourth but was otherwise a reasonable jumper. This was no better or worse than his Fairyhouse seventh from the previous month and he would have to improve before being of interest in ordinary company. 89

Sweet Will had been well beaten on his first two starts over hurdles and it was the same story here. His jumping was acceptable safe for a couple of untidy leaps but he is another who failed to progress from the same Fairyhouse contest. 88

Willywampus began his season with a rating of 80 but had ran nowhere near to that mark in a pair of races during June. He was keen early and led briefly passing the stands before fading with half a mile left to run. His jumping was fine and he might strip fitter for the outing. 80

Southwood came into the race following a career best effort on the flat when fourth in a seven furlong handicap at the Curragh. That was off just 45 there is little reason on breeding to suspect significant improvement for the introduction of hurdles. Save for some untidy hurdling in the back, he did not jump too poorly and was still in fifth entering the straight. However, through lack of class and stamina, he had little left to offer. 67

Dazzling Darren put a lot of air between himself and the third hurdle, but otherwise posted a characteristically clear round. However, disappointment is becoming another characteristic as this made it three successive races where he finished tailed off. 73

French Asset beat only one home on a hurdles debut at in October marked by greenness. He once again lacked fluency and finished tailed off here. He has not come remotely close to matching the best of his flat ability thus far. 0

MARKET RASEN 3rd December
Preview review
The race was seen as one where the bulk of the field had questions to answer, and few had solid chances. As such, the relative prospects of the participants were assigned with little confidence. The strong prospect had actually bled on its previous outing although this was mitigated by a month lay-off and despite finishing seventh, was not far from its best here. The winner was given reasonable prospects and trepidation was based on the jumping errors in previous races potentially diminishing the chances afforded by her flat superiority. The remainder of the field over and underperformed to varying degrees but as the first eight were covered by less than twenty lengths, it was not a race which could be definitively assessed to a satisfactory standard.

Race review
While the standard of form was not abysmal, none of these brought solid profiles and the most accomplished had questions to answer. The first three were covered by just over five lengths and the first eight by just under nineteen which is considerably the tightest on a card where the field finished strung out in every other race. The pace was fine and the winning time was comparable with the Class 4 handicap an hour later. The field jumped reasonably and finished in a justifiable order, although they could have finished in any order and it would have been justifiable. The winner is likely the best horse in the race but the form does not look trustworthy.

Volkovka started favourite to win her UK/hurdling debut at Fakenham in late October, but poor jumping and a tendency to hang preceded her pulling up. She was in contention to finish third next time at Leicester in a first time hood, but a bad blunder at the last saw her finish fifth. The best of her flat form gave her a strong chance in this week race and she was able to take advantage with her best round of jumping to date. She got in slightly close to the penultimate flight but this did not cost her any momentum. Held up for much of the contest, she made headway on the long turn for home and was not hard ridden to run out a rather comfortable winner after getting a clear run a furlong from home. The standard of this form is nothing special, but she had the strongest form in the line up and having won a shade cosily, can improve further from here. 99

Shalott did not make the racecourse for Joseph O'Brien, and would start his career in junior bumpers. It is not a sphere which habitually produces successful juvenile hurdlers, particularly not first-time-out. Nevertheless, Shalott had achieved reasonable form in two outings, including a two-length third on his latest start. Being by Camelot and related to numerous winning jumpers, Shalott has a reasonable pedigree for his new vocation and he was not disgraced on his debut. Tracking the leaders, he jumped well for a debutant and moved into the lead at the penultimate flight. His first error came at an untimely moment as he steadied going into the last and was unable to get high at the flight. Though this did cost him momentum, he was back into his stride with a furlong left to run and was beaten by the winner on merit. While he would need to improve to be competitive in anything but a poor race, this was a fine introduction overall. 105

Yulong Magicreef followed a compelling racecourse debut at the Curragh in June with four increasingly disappointing efforts for Jessica Harrington and was beaten fifty lengths on his hurdling debut at Wetherby. There was little cause for complaint insofar as his jumping was concerned and he put up another good round here. Held up in midfield, he joined the vanguard in the straight, but was unable to put his stamp on the race and was outpaced after the last. While a huge improvement on his debut, it was not the most substantial contest and the performance was still someway short of his better flat form. 101

Asharann was a winner in France for Jean-Clause Rouget, but his inability to settle saw his mark drop two and a half kilos and was a factor in two tailed off efforts in the UK. His jumping has always been reasonable however and apart from a blunder at the fifth, put in another clear round here. He still took a keen grip in the early stages, but this was the best he had settled to date and while he never threatened the leaders, he was able to plug on for fourth past beaten horses, finishing just over seven lengths behind the winner. His allotted mark of 104 is harsh based on what he has achieved thus far over hurdles. Nevertheless, it might not be completely beyond his scope if he learns to settle better. 99

Shentri won twice over jumps in France, but was beaten out of sight by Nassalam on his UK debut at Fontwell. He jumped alright here and after racing prominently, was still in contention approaching the last. However, he would fade shortly afterwards and lost fourth on the run-in. He has been dropped eleven pounds after just two starts for Dan Skelton and given that this was an improvement on his Fontwell performance, he would not be in terminal decline. The way he faded and the fact that he was wearing a tongue-tie could be indicative of breathing issues. Nevertheless, his French form is not completely hollow and if the possible issues are resolved, or he simply acclimatises to his new surroundings, he can leave this form behind. 96

Fiscal Prudence had shown some promise in a pair of flat outings for Jim Bolger last year, but pulled too hard on his return at Warwick and was beaten a long way from home. He did not settle much better here but was still in contention turning for home before his exertions took their toll in the straight. He is not without ability, but the first-time hood did not have a sufficient effect on his exuberance and does not make a huge amount of appeal for the time being. 89

Park Lane Dancer did not have the strongest form coming into the race, but looked a reasonably safe conveyance insofar as his jumping and travelling were concerned. However, he put up his poorest round of jumping to date having steadied into the third and sixth while being untidy at the fourth and fifth. He was outclassed by his rivals and while his allotted mark of 93 is low, it is not obviously generous. 89

Sure I'm Your Man made a promising hurdling debut at Bangor, but ran no sort of race just days before this contest at Leicester where he bled through the nose. He was not unfancied in the market, but he never left the rear of the field, was close into the first and was well beaten when untidy over the last. A break might see him run to better effect, but he will clearly have questions to answer on his return. 87

Carriesmatic was third on her final flat outing at Redcar, but that came in a moderate claimer and her official rating of 47 is a fair reflection of her abilities. Nevertheless, she received some each-way support prior to the off but lacked fluency and ultimately finished tailed off. 64

[Kotkijet]

SANDOWN 5th December
Preview review
That the preview was written at the tail-end of an all-nighter could be used as an excuse for any errors made, but I like to imagine that such an opportunity to miss out on some masochism is beneath me. The bulk of the Paros was given strong prospects not only for his solid looking French form, but also for the first-time-out strike rate of Nicky Henderson's French recruits. Though given that it is foolhardy to base a horse's merit on a solitary performance, his estimation will not have been made with the utmost confidence. Elham Valley was given only moderate prospects, based on his attracting no interest after winning a seller, and being beaten by double digit distances on soft ground in two subsequent outings. Though he did exceed expectations, it was an unexposed field he defeated and he also attracted market support. Phoenix Aquilus did not jump as well as on his debut but the form of his Chepstow has generally looked weaker in hindsight. The remainder of the field did not finish out of line.

Race review
Having headed the Triumph markets during the summer, Paros drew the most attention in this field of unexposed hurdlers. However, he came nowhere near matching expectations and his disappointing effort left the race open for a horse whose latest flat win came in a seller. The pace was fairly tepid and the standard of jumping was below what could be expected for the quality of horse on show. A few of the runners were keen early but most settled once passing the stands. The field finished tighter than any other on the card and the winning time was over six seconds slower than the feature handicap and nearly two slower than the steadily ran novices' handicap. While there is nothing too irrational about the finishing order on the day, it looks unlikely to be faithfully replicated in the future.

Elham Valley came into the race with a respectable flat rating, although his best recent performance came when winning a seller by thirteen lengths at Goodwood in August. Since then, he was beaten in a pair of soft ground handicaps by eleven and seventeen lengths for John Gallagher. In Fergal O'Brien, he joined a yard with a fine record in the division this season and was the subject of sustained support throughout the day and in the ring. He was not the most fluent or natural of jumpers, as he was big and slow to get away from the first, reached at the third, was slow over the next and met the last wrong, costing him momentum in the process. Fortunately for him, the runner-up was also untidy and he was able to build an advantage on the run-in before being eased close home. On the face of it, this was not a bad performance and he can improve further should he tidy up his jumping. However, as the most experienced runner in the field, he is also the most exposed and though he won a shade cosily, he would not have the scope of some of his rivals. 116

Hudson de Grugy is related to a host of decent winners, most notably the stable's hugely talented Sire de Grugy, and this is a race in which Gary Moore has enjoyed much success. However, Hudson de Grugy more than doubled in price in the ring from an opening 15/2 to 16/1 at flagfall. Prominent from the outset, he was encouraged into his flights which appeared to be a necessity as an absence of instruction at the fifth saw him get it completely wrong. He was still in contention approaching the last, but a blunder at the final obstacle gave the winner an advantage that proved critical. Hudson de Grugy was still able to maintain his lead over the remaining rivals and he emerges from the contest with plenty of potential. A decent sized horse whose only experience had been in AQPS bumpers, he should improve for the outing and having already tasted victory, an ordinary contest should be within his capacity. 113

Yggdrasil was making his racecourse debut after missing an intended engagement at Exeter a fortnight earlier. Keen early on, he did not attack the initial jumps with any real conviction and got especially close to the fourth. His jumping was tidier from there and he was still in contention at the distance. However, his inexperience became conspicuous as he steadied into the penultimate flight and did not know what to make of Elham Valley squeezing past him. Though readily outpaced by the front pair, he still plugged on to win the battle for third and is another who emerges from the race with plenty of potential. 109

Paros had led the Triumph Hurdle markets over the summer by virtue of a win in a Dieppe hurdle, and his joining the Nicky Henderson yard. As they faced the starter, Paros was still the shortest in the Triumph markets for his yard, and had been the subject of a move which took his price from 11/10 to an SP of 4/7. His hurdling lacked some confidence in the early stages of his Dieppe debut and he was slow going over the first here. There were also mistakes at the fifth and sixth but he was also able to outjump his opponents in numerous instances. He had taken a keen hold and was still pulling entering the straight. His jump at the penultimate flight was as good as any in the race but he was unable to get a clear run and once he was in the open, he had no response to his rider's urgings. The record of Nicky Henderson hurdles imports beaten first time does not make for encouraging reading as of the twelve, only Grandouet finished in the first ten in a Grade One that season and Monte Cristo was the only other subsequent winner. There is still time for Paros to make good on his reputation, but with his reputation being based on a sole outing, he emerges from this contest with more doubt than confidence. 113

The Worthy Brat won a junior bumper on his racecourse debut at Exeter in October and ran into third on his hurdles debut at the same venue the following month. He was held up on that occasion and while he jumped slowly at times, was able to get within seven lengths of Monmiral at the finish. Ridden more prominently here, he made mistakes at all of his hurdles, coming largely in the form of jumping too big, but also steadying into some flights and getting too close. Consequently, this performance can only be regarded as regressive and while a change in tactics might enable him to leave this behind, his jumping leaves plenty to be desired. It is possible that the heavier ground impacted his performance as while his hurdling debut came on soft, his win came on good to firm. 102

Phoenix Aquilus was twice placed on the flat and though he was no match for Hell Red on his hurdling debut at Chepstow, he was still best of the rest. However, despite a gelding operation and a break of nearly two months, he was unable to build on that effort and though he was quick at a few of his jumps, he was big at the same time which was not the most efficient way of going about things. There were also a couple of occasions where he was generally untidy and though he was not beaten too far, he did begin to tire in the final furlong. Phoenix Aquilus is capable of better, but he will need to become a slicker jumper if he is to run to his merits. 101

Royaume Uni won one of his three starts on the flat for Andre Fabre and he ran to marks approaching 80. He is also from the family of fair juvenile Nordano and has joined a yard which enjoys success in the division. However, there was a decided lack of fluency on his hurdling debut and was a beaten horse by the distance. Flat imports for the yard tend to improve for their debut outings which will be necessary given the substandard nature of this performance. 90

Masterdream ran four times on the flat for John Oxx without winning, before leaving the yard for 56,000 guineas. He did not do anything to justify an official mark of 73, and while Tim Vaughan used to be a prolific trainer in the division, this has not been the case in recent years. Masterdream lacked fluency and confidence at most hurdles, and was the first horse beaten before finishing completely tailed off. He is probably better than this but he has something to prove for the time being. 40

Naizagai 05/12/2020 Sandown 2m Novices' Handicap Hurdle (115)
Naizagai made a winning start to his hurdling career when making all to be a decisive winner at Cartmel back in August. He disappointed after a seventy day lay-off at Uttoxeter where he jumped poorly and had a tendency to hang. He was better next time when second at Ludlow where neither of those traits were prevalent, although he was slightly keen in the early stages. This keenness was exaggerated here as he was very headstrong held up off a slow pace and pulled himself into third passing the stands. Apart from slightly skewing at the second and completely missing the penultimate flight, he put in a decent round of jumping and was the last challenger to come off the bridle. He was no match for the winner and though three lengths clear of the remainder, he did finish a tired horse. This was not a poor performance though and a return to better ground and perhaps a stronger pace should see him continue to be competitive. 112

AINTREE 5th December
Preview review
The omission of four hurdles had some bearing on the result, but would not account for the discrepancies in the preview. Talking About You was given feasible prospects but was still a glaring underestimation. Her prospects were nullified due to a perceived distaste for the ground which was borne from her failure to see out races earlier in her already long career. However, the wind operation she undertook in October not only improved her stamina but also her overall ability. Her Indoors ran better than anticipated but was helped by the diminished jumping test. Hiconic ran a race which was too bad to be true although the odd underperformance might be an essence of her profile. Army Of One's prospects were based more on connections and potential than proven ability.

Race review
The race featured the strongest juvenile fillies to have ran to date and though few of these look particularly high class, it was still a reasonable renewal. The two flights on the straight were omitted due to the low sun just before the off which helped some horses more than others. It perhaps made little difference to the winner but third placed Megan would likely have finished closer as she jumped the best of the leading trio and was outpaced on the long run-in. Although Hiconic and Scholastic were both very disappointing, the front three had reason enough to be prominent and were a long way clear of the remainder. Nevertheless, the complexion of the race is such that the race can only really be observed as its own entity.

Talking About You carried herself credibly from a form perspective on her first three starts in the division before a dip prompted wind surgery and a break. Her return at Fakenham was not without promise and her latest outing saw her post a career best with a comprehensive all-the-way success at Ludlow. Though ridden down to the start rather than being mounted at the last possible opportunity, she was able to improve even further here as she ran out a seven-and-a-half-length winner from a pair of respectable sorts. The wind surgery has seen her reach new heights and that she went to the start in a conventional manner is indicative of a mental maturity. Her jumping was not as fluent as at Ludlow as she got in slightly close to a few of these and she also dived at the third. The omission of four more flights along with the ignorable performances of Scholastic and especially Hiconic, twice her superior previously, simplified her task. Nevertheless, it was still a deserved success and while not worth an official rating of 132, was gallant performance in its own right. Placing her will become more difficult from here, but she would not be out of place in the Listed Fillies' Juvenile at Doncaster next month. 124

Her Indoors had this race as a target before she even ran on the flat this season, let alone when she registered her first success in September. Though representing a yard with a strong record in this contest, her SP was three times her morning price of 6/1. She was not the fluent jumper on her hurdling debut as she needed encouragement into her hurdles and got in close to the second and fourth while landing steeply at the last. She was no match for the winner but was able to out-speed Megan from the elbow. The diminished jumping test certainly worked in her favour and it is unlikely that she would have beaten Megan with a full compliment of hurdles to jump. Nevertheless, she would still have been a long way clear of the remainder and is entitled to become more proficient with experience. 117

Megan went into her hurdling debut at Leicester as something of an unknown quantity and given the facile nature of her victory, emerged with her ability remaining a mystery. Her round at Leicester began in a novicey fashion, but she soon developed a neat rhythm as the race progressed and apart from a slow jump when baulked at the fourth here, put in a very tidy round. She wanted for pace in the closing stages of this contest and there is every reason to assume that the lack of hurdles was detrimental to her finishing position. As such, she was unable to build on her debut outing but while she perhaps would not have had enough to beat the winner on the day, she comes out of this race with the most encouraging profile. 114

High Moor Flyer exceeded anything she achieved on the flat when second to Megan on her jumps debut at Leicester despite sweating freely and pulling hard. Perspiration was a recurring theme here but she settled somewhat better and jumped her first four hurdles well before missing the last. She was outclassed as per expectations but was not entirely disgraced as she was still clear of the strung out remainder. She can be seen to better effect in calmer waters. 90

Bellatrixsa was the most expensive juvenile publicly sold in-training thus far when fetching 80,000 guineas at the Tattersalls Autumn sale following a five race career with Michael Dods. A winner of one race and bringing a rating of 77 into this contest, she was the subject of strong and sustained market support. Available at 18/1 in the morning, she opened at 8/1 in the ring before being sent off at 9/2. However, while she settled nicely enough and made her only discernible error at the last when getting in close and going slightly left, she was unable to keep tabs on the leading trio at the head of the straight and was allowed to come home in her own time. Better was clearly expected and there was little concern over her jumping so while this was a disappointing effort at face value, it was not one devoid of promise. 82

See The Eagle Fly had the winner almost seventy lengths behind her when making a winning hurdles introduction at Fontwell in early October. She did not look entirely straightforward on that occasion and quickly downed tools when failing to justify favouritism next time at Leicester. Though still travelling kindly on the approach to the last, she wandered into that obstacle and soon lost interest before tailing off. She was a consistent enough type on the flat so this succession of lacklustre performances gives rise to concern and there are questions to answer regarding her enthusiasm at this juncture. 69

Army Of One achieved only moderate success in Germany, but was the chosen representative of a yard with a good record in this contest and there was encouraging signs in her pedigree. However, she lacked confidence and make errors at all of these jumps and the distress signals were out before they turned into the straight. While she will be better assessed after another run or two, there was little assurance to be gained from this outing. 34

Lightning Blue was beaten thirty-five lengths on her hurdling debut at Wetherby and drifted from 125/1 to 250/1 before the off here. It would probably be fair to ignore this run as she was baulked on a couple of occasions, although there is still no cause for optimism going forward. 0

Ten Thousand Stars was not disgraced on her first two starts over hurdles, but was still a fair way off most of these on form. Returning after a seventy-two day absence, she jumped untidily, lost her position very quickly before reaching half-way and finished hopelessly tailed off. 0

Hiconic came into this race as the most accomplished female juvenile of the season and that mantle has not been surpassed. However, though she led from the outset, she was already getting niggled along approaching the second where she was headed. From there, she was unable to regain the bit and weakened rapidly after an uncharacteristic mistake at two-out before pulling up after the last. This was a run too bad to be true and her trainer put this showing down to the effects of a long season. There is credence to this perspective although it is also worth noting that there have been flashes of impertinence and she may be given to inconsistency. She ought to be afforded some well-earned rest and hopefully, she can return in the same kind of form which saw her complete a four-timer and finish second in the Wensleydale. 0

Scholastic put a troubling hurdles debut behind her to collect three places and a deserved win over hurdles. However, after hopping over the first, she essentially pulled herself up after passing the stands. Given that she subsequently posted a new career best effort on the flat, it is unlikely there were any physiological factors behind this exhibition. Though she has proven her aptitude for hurdling following an inauspicious start, she may have to do so once again in order to regain trust in light of this showing. 0

[Kotkijet]

CORK 6th December
Preview review
There was no preview for this race and little pertinent written on the newcomers elsewhere. Those with experience finished in keeping with their ratings earned in previous races.

Race review
This contest had been held over the four previous seasons and while none of its graduates found success at Grade One level, it has been used to introduce a couple of useful sorts in Dinaria des Obeaux and 2019 Fred Winter hero Band Of Outlaws. Those with hurdling experience were headed by Punchestown flop Flying Scotsman who finished behind a pair of flat recruits rated 78 and 80. The pace was steady and the winning time was comparable to those set in the maiden hurdles, and quicker than that achieved 0-117 handicap later on the card. The standard of jumping was reasonable from the front two who finished clear of a strung out field and the finishing order was perfectly feasible. Though the quality of the contest is little stronger than average, the form looks solid at this stage.

Autumn Evening first appeared on the racecourse in late August and followed a pair of reasonable outings with two successive third place finishes at Navan and the Curragh in the Autumn. At Navan, he was just over three lengths behind stablemate Ilmig who was second at Punchestown on his hurdles debut, and seven lengths ahead of subsequent chase winner Bridge Native. He ran to a similar standard on his latest flat start when behind a pair of 78 rated animals and upwards of eight lengths clear of the remainder including Fairyhouse winner Peckham Springs. By Tamayuz, who has produced minor winning juveniles, and representing a yard with solid figures in the sphere, Autumn Evening was sent off a well backed 5/4 favourite and obliged in pleasing fashion. A solid stamp of a horse, he was always racing prominently and jumped nicely for the most part. He got in slightly close to three out but travelled smoothly to the penultimate flight where he jumped into a slender lead. He cruised towards the final flight but an untidy leap saw him skid on landing and lose some momentum. Nevertheless, he only needed a hands and heels ride to regain superiority and carried a length advantage over the line. The bare form is nothing out of the ordinary but it was a comfortable success on the back of a taking display of jumping. It remains to be seen how far he can progress but he will be of interest wherever he appears next which could potentially be the Grade Two at Leopardstown on Boxing Day. 121

Curious Bride had ran nine times on the flat but while initially rated 71, had began to look disappointing during the summer. However, she took advantage of a drop to 64 and ran out an easy winner of a twelve furlong Cork handicap in mid September. The runner-up has since won three times and Curious Bride was not disgraced on either of her subsequent outings at Dundalk where fifth on each occasion. The rating of 80 was the joint highest in this contest when counting her sex allowance and trainer Noel Meade won this contest in 2017. Her sire was some cause for concern as none of his thirteen juvenile hurdlers have won a race from forty-three attempts. Nevertheless, she was backed in the ring from 11/4 to 2/1 at the off and apart from reaching at the fourth and getting close to the fifth, jumped well on her debut. Another who raced prominently, she was not the quickest getting away from the last and while she put her head down on the run-in, she was unable to match the winner and was slightly worried out of the battle by her more imposing rival. Notwithstanding, she was eleven lengths clear of the remainder and this progressive filly likely has more to offer in the coming weeks and months. 113

Flying Scotsman has a flat rating of 87 courtesy of a quickfire double at the Galway Festival. He was unfancied ahead of his jumps debut at Punchestown where he finished fifth and was beaten by over thirty lengths. His chances there were heavily compromised by forcing to check at the second, but this poor round was entirely of his own doing. Sweating up beforehand, he approached his hurdles with little enthusiasm and was either close to, or untidy over most of the flights. Held up in midfield, he never landed a blow on the leaders, but he did pass beaten rivals in the straight and was clear of the remainder. More assured jumping is fundamental to his future prospects and a sounder surface will also be helpful. Nevertheless, he would not be written off entirely and given that the yard previously won this race with Band Of Outlaws, Flying Scotsman could be of interest if he is sent handicapping. 109

Ahaziah has a flat rating of just 37 after ten starts in that sphere and jumped poorly on his hurdling debut at Fairyhouse in the beginning of November. He was keen in the early stages here but apart from being slightly big over the first and hopping over the last, put up a better round of jumping. He was still in contention going two out and while he faded thereafter, posted a performance which surpassed his flat exploits. Ahaziah is going in the right direction but would still need to find further improvement before he is competitive in ordinary company. 102

Vischio was placed three times on the flat for Jonathan Portman and was claimed out of that yard for ?6,000 when second in a Lingfield selling handicap in mid-September. Runner-up on his stable debut at Leopardstown, he was tailed off at Galway ahead of his hurdles bow here. Held up in the rear, his jumping lacked fluency and though he made some headway towards the end of the back straight, he faded to finish a twenty length fifth. There is little immediate enthusiasm to be garnered from this performance. 94

Townes finished closer to last than first during his five flat outings for Richard John O'Brien, and was not well fancied to reveal himself on his hurdling debut. He wandered slightly on the approach to the first and pecked on landing at the fourth, but otherwise jumped well enough to maintain a prominent position and jumped three out with a marginal advantage. However, he was quickly outpaced and faded tamely shortly thereafter. This was not an effort devoid of promise but he likely lacks sufficient class to make any impact in open company. 89

Stage Power collected only duck eggs on the flat and jumped poorly on his hurdles bow at Punchestown before beating home only one finisher. His round started with novicey jumps but while it improved down the back, he was still only able to beat one finisher home. This was a career best effort but there are no signs of him being competitive any time soon. 70

Movie King was no better than moderate on the flat and he lacked fluency without getting involved on his hurdles debut at Punchestown. Once again held up in the rear, he got in close to a couple and was slow over three out before being the last to finish. 67

Poetica raced six times on the flat for Mark Johnson with her best performance coming when just over two lengths fourth in a Chelmsford handicap off 58. She since left for ?3,500 guineas at the Goffs UK Silver Yearling Sale and was unfancied ahead of her hurdling debut. Following a mistake at the first, her saddle slipped at the second flight of hurdles and an error strewn round was concluded with her unseating three from home. 0

MUSSELBURGH 7th December
Preview review
No preview was written for this race but those with experience did finish in accordance to their ratings.

Race review
Held four times since 2012, this Class 2 contest is more valuable than most in the north outside of pattern company, although the 2016 renewal perhaps had the most impact as the front two filled the same places in the listed Scottish Triumph trial the same season. This year's edition featured two previous winners and a pair of newcomers rated in the seventies. The pace set was a solid one and the time was quicker than both the Novice Hurdle and the concluding bumper. It was a dominant display from the winner and the field were strung out in behind. They also finished in a plausible order although the standard of jumping was somewhat lacking.

Fiveandtwenty had ten starts on the flat for Mark Johnston, including three handicap wins which came in the space of four races between July and September. The sequence began with wins over twelve furlongs at Ripon and Catterick on good and heavy ground, and was rounded off with a fourteen furlong success at Musselburgh on good to firm off a mark of 75. She was last seen finishing weakly at Bath and Nottingham before joining Donald McCain. The three horses who previously made the journey between the yards failed to score in the division. Nevertheless, this season has seen the beginning Middleham Park Racing utilising the services of the master of Bankhouse and it has paid off handsomely thus far with first Genever Dragon, and now Fiveandtwenty making winning starts to their second careers. The latter was slightly keen early, but put her front running style to good effect here and was very neat over her hurdles in the early stages. Her jumping began to unravel as she began to tire late on, but her initial fluency had her rivals in trouble a long way out and she came home unchallenged. It is worth bearing in mind that the jumping in behind was not of the highest standard and that she was a tired horse in the concluding phases. Nevertheless, this was a visually impressive debut and there was much to like about her attitude and aptitude. 119

Breguet Boy won three times on the flat and made a winning jumps debut over this course and distance some five weeks earlier on good ground. He had a tendency to look around on the flat which followed him to his hurdles bow. It did not have an averse first time out, but while he was more focussed on this occasion, his round was littered with untidy jumps. Similar tactics of tracking the leader were employed but he was outpaced turning for home and only lost ground along the straight. This was not as good a performance as his debut, but he was still upwards of seven lengths clear on the remainder and if returned to conditions which suit his speed, would still be worthy of respect. Furthermore, his handicap mark of 114 is not unduly harsh should connections opt to go down that route. 105

Machios opened at larger odds than stablemate Breguet Boy, but was backed to within a third of a point at the off. Prior to fetching 25,000 guineas at the Tattersalls Autumn Sale, Machios had an eight race career for Andrew Balding which included a win and two placings with his best form came on softer ground. He had a tendency to pull hard which was also the case in the early stages here before settling to a degree entering the back straight. He was untidy at a few flights and not the quickest getting away, but his jumping had more reasonable moments than otherwise. Making headway into third five furlongs from home, he could not match the front two for speed. Nevertheless, he was able to stay on and increase his gap over the remainder. He was not disgraced on his introduction to the sphere and is likely to come on for the experience. Particularly if faced with sterner conditions. 93

Jorgie was rated just 51 ahead of his hurdles debut at Perth, but he ran out a decisive winner and would have won by further but for a lack of concentration costing him ground and momentum over the final two hurdles. However, it was a race which rather fell for him as his opponents were either poor or underperformed. He was subsequently offered at the Goffs UK Silver Yearling Sale in October but only went to ?2,000 and was retained by his owners. Since then, he posted a career best on the flat when second in a Southwell handicap off 48. A market drifter beforehand, he was held up in midfield where a lack of confidence over the early jumps translated to an error at the fourth which preceded a blunder at the next which nearly saw him capitulate. He was slow over the remainder of his hurdles and was beaten by nearly fifty lengths in the end. Jorgie may be difficult to place for the foreseeable as his best form leaves him struggling under a penalty in ordinary company and his official mark of 113 looks absurdly harsh. 84

My Macho Man won on his first start on the flat and his final start in that sphere came with a second at this venue in selling company. Subsequently sold for 7,000 guineas, his hurdling debut came in an introductory hurdle at Newcastle where reticent jumping resulted in a laboured performance. He was no more assured here and after losing third leaving the back, would only continue to lose ground. 64

Sergeant won twice in Germany for Christian Von Der Recke although he likely achieved nothing of note in doing so. Nevertheless, Herr Von Der Recke has supplied Milton Harris with useful sorts in the past and Sergeant was not unfancied ahead of his UK debut at Leicester. There he pulled hard early and lacked assurance in his jumping before being beaten thirty-five lengths in what looked a poor race. He had reportedly lost a shoe during that contest but had no such excuses in a first time hood here. Once again racing keenly and lacking fluency, he rapidly lost his prominent position leaving the back and was pulled up before three out. 0

Monash was well beaten on his introduction to hurdles at Catterick, but it was not a showing without promise and had traded as low as 2.7 in-running. However, he was keen early and jumped sloppily to the right over the first two before getting detached with a good mile left to be covered. 0

FONTWELL 8th December
Preview review
The withdrawal of Hacker Des Places rendered this race a one horse contest. The runner-up had negligible prospects but was still beaten by almost fifty lengths and the remainder of the field all had either poor form or weak profiles.

Race review
Nassalam won in the manner befitting a 1/12 shot and the performances of those in behind can not be assessed generously. Particularly as the runner up was tailed off and detached in the back straight yet was able to pass some very tired horses in the straight. Put into context, the three other finishers ran their final furlongs in slower times than those posted by those in the three mile two novices' handicap chase later on the card. The early pace was quicker than that set in the concluding handicap hurdle, yet was still considerably slower than the one set in the race Nassalam won on his debut through heavy ground.

Nassalam conducted a demolition job on his first run for Gary Moore over this course and distance, and did a similar thing here. Setting the pace throughout, he jumped left at every flight but was a bit neater than on his debut. He effortlessly drew clear to win by forty-nine lengths although the ineffectiveness of his opposition can not be understated. From a time performance on the ground and an assessment of the sectionals, he performed no better here than on his debut. Nassalam is clearly a useful horse but his latent superiority entitled him to win as he did and his contraction in the Triumph markets is not justifiable on the basis of this outing alone. A step up in class is due and a better assessment of his abilities might be made in the upcoming Finale Hurdle. 125

Zellerate finished tailed off in a bumper on his racecourse debut and his hurdling debut saw him make numerous mistakes in the rear before pulling up. His jumping was slightly better but he was far from error free and was already getting reminders at the third. Zellerate was tailed off and detached at the end of the back, but was able to pass his tired rivals to grab second on the line. The first time blinkers may have assisted his performance, but it was still substandard by any general measure. 69

Ranco won his last two starts on the flat in France and was claimed for €20,001 ahead of a nondescript hurdles debut at Southwell. He stepped up somewhat next time at Wetherby where sloppy jumping bookmarked a few reasonable leaps before finishing a twenty length seventh. His hurdling was better again even though he was not helped by Nassalam jumping in front of him on each occasion. Ranco appeared to have won the race for second but for being caught on the line, but he still would have finished tired and well beaten in any case. Based on his flat form, his new rating of 102 gives him better prospects going forward. 66

Sans Logique was not disgraced on his hurdling debut at Sedgefield back in August, but he was poor and erratic on his next two outings and his mark of 106 looked harsh. Wind surgery and a break of sixty-seven days preceded another poor showing where his jumping was often untidy. Nevertheless, he has dropped to 102 and might begin to find his feet following his surgery. 58

Eagle's First had Richard Johnson in the saddle for her racecourse bow in a Warwick bumper, but weakened from a prominent position and beat only two rivals home. Less was expected for her hurdles debut and she made several mistakes including at the fourth where she blundered very badly and lost any real impetus. She kept in touch to some extent up the back straight but would finish hopelessly tailed off. If being generous, it is possible to forgive this outing. Nevertheless, she still needs to demonstrate more tangible ability. 31

Hipster Macalo started slowly, jumped slowly and was soon detached on his jumping bow at Uttoxeter in August. Following a break of over a hundred days, he managed to get into a prominent position, but would find himself detached by the third and was pulled up before the fifth. 0

Jan Wellens 08/12/2020 Fontwell 2m1?f Handicap Hurdle (97)
Jan Wellens won on the flat, but has performed only moderately thus far over hurdles. His best effort in the sphere came last time where he jumped better than he had previously to finish a sixteen length fifth at Huntingdon. First time blinkers were applied for his handicap debut where he ran off a mark of 97. However, without anything too catastrophic, he made errors at almost every hurdle here and while he managed to briefly challenge for fourth turning in, he failed to make further inroads and dropped back to an eight length sixth on the line. His new mark of 94 is more feasible and if his jumping improves then he can find himself more competitive. Possibly when less demands are placed on his questionable stamina. 91

[Kotkijet]

WARWICK 10th December
Preview review
Hope You Do was given strong prospects on the basis of being a well bred winner of his sole AQPS bumper representing good connections. However, despite being sent off a steady favourite, he ran a rather tepid race with no obvious excuses. The front two were third and fourth on the prospects list, each deemed to have reasonable profiles, and the third and fourth each had reasonable prospects. Dreaming Blue's flat form entitled him to run better than he did, although his greenness translated to a moderate round of jumping.

Race review
Good yards were represented in this race, but with the exception of the favourite, few had especially substantial profiles. With Hope You Do failing to match expectations, the finish was fought out between one horse who finished midfield on his sole run in France, and another with a BHA rating of 63. Nevertheless, they both jumped reasonably well and finished clear of a well-bred racecourse debutant. The early pace was a steady one but apart from some bunching at the first, there were no real hard luck stories and the field finished in a plausible order. While unlikely to have an impact on the season's better races, the form looks solid for the level.

Hamilton Dici has been trained and prepared by the Williams' yard, but was chosen to accompany Monsieur Lecoq to Compiegne for his hurdles debut at the beginning of November. There, an early prominent position was forfeited due to slow and skewed jumping. His round saw little improvement and he never re-emerged from a midfield position. He attracted significant support in the markets for his UK bow, moving from a morning price of 12/1 to 11/2 at flagfall, and obliged by a head after a spirited battle. Sent straight into the lead from the outset, he maintained a lead of a length or so before jumping the last in tandem with his the runner-up. He landed with better momentum and was able to repel the sustained challenge to the line. He jumped much better than he had at Compiegne without being particularly efficient as he was predisposed to giving his hurdles excessive air. Notwithstanding, he created a decent impression with his honest nature and though he looks more a long term prospect, he can still progress during this campaign. 108

Ambassador ended his first spell on the flat with an official mark of 61 and was not particularly well bred for his new vocation. Nevertheless, he has joined a yard with a good record in the division, including with lower rated animals. Tracking the leader throughout, he was slightly baulked at the first and took a fairly keen hold early on. Though he was slightly big over the fourth and clumsy at the penultimate flight, he posted a respectable round of hurdling. He did little wrong when outjumped at the last or outbattled in the closing stages and has set a nice foundation for his new career. Ambassador is unlikely to threaten the upper reaches of the division but would be entitled to be competitive in ordinary company. 107

Balkardy was seeing a racecourse for the first time and was not well fancied in the market beforehand. Closely related to top French juvenile Roll On Has, this son of Balko has the credentials to fare well in this division and he was not disgraced on his debut. Held up in rear, his first three jumps were big and untidy but he was soon jumping with more fluency. Though he never got close to the leaders, he stayed on well up the straight to finish a clear third. An archetypically promising debut performance, Balkardy has the scope to achieve success in the long run while having credible prospects for the near future. 99

Lunar Bounty is bred to make a national hunt horse and jumped well on her hurdling debut at Leicester before being outpaced in the straight. Ridden conservatively here, she posted a clean round of jumping but while she made some headway turning for home, was unable to get close enough to the leaders. This was an improvement on her Leicester outing and is not one without the potential to be competitive as a juvenile, although she may have better prospects in the long term. 85

Hope You Do has all of the credentials to do well in the division and is in the right hands to make an impact. However, while he was rather big at the first and third, his hurdling was sufficient enough for it to not have excused this performance. He was found to be sound afterwards and the jockey merely reported that he was never travelling. His jumps in the straight were untidy and as this was his first outing since May, it is possible that he was not fit enough to do himself justice. His abilities can be better assessed after another run. 86

Alberic jumped poorly before pulling up on his racecourse debut at Huntingdon and while the jockey's encouragement led to some improvement in that department, he still has some way to go. During his two outings to date, he has not yet shown enough to be a threat in open company. 82

Galidermes was having his third run over hurdles in the space of a month, the previous two had been characterised by poor hurdling. While somewhat better on this occasion, he began to lose touch entering the straight and weakened to finish a thirty-length seventh at the line. He has been allotted a rating of 95 which, while not warranted by his hurdles performances, does not look unreasonable compared to his flat form and his trainer has won handicaps with older juveniles. 77

Dreaming Blue came into the race with the best flat form and demanded 60,000 guineas at the Tattersalls August sale. His breeding is, without being outstanding, is feasible insofar as hurdling is concerned and his trainer also has a fair record in the division. However, there were flashes of greenness during his flat career and this, in conjunction with a four-month layoff, led to a debut with novicey jumping and poor travelling. While he set off in touch, he was being niggled along as early as the third and poor jumping accelerated his fall through the field. He might be seen in a better light with fitness and experience, but there was little encouraging about this performance in isolation. 70

Son Of Oz, a son of Australia, is related to several decent jumpers and his trainer was responsible for the useful juvenile Beltor. However, he sold for only 3,000 guineas as a yearling and was making his racecourse debut here. Always in the rear, his jumping was very slow and cautious before becoming slow and untidy in the later stages. The last horse to finish, he was beaten by over forty-two lengths and would need to step up drastically if he is to make any showing in the near future. 65

[Kevloaf]

I've updated your user-title to something more fitting than it was

[Kotkijet]

If I ever get round to writing a will, I at least know what I want for the epitaph

[Kotkijet]

FAIRYHOUSE 12th December
Preview review
There was no written preview for this day's races as such, rather it was a dump of information with the prospects lists drawn from a daft o'clock glare at same. Consequently, no justifications were recorded. Save for the early faller, the front six filled the same positions, albeit in a very different order. The winner was underestimated due to his poor jumping when third in a moderate contest on his hurdles debut. His flat form warranted better prospects and there was a discernible improvement in both his hurdling and the way he travelled. Strong prospect Ilmig was a well supported favourite and was moving like a winner before the turn for home but he found himself outpaced. Though the ground was soft/heavy, Fairyhouse may still have been too sharp for him. Toughari has a fair record at Fairyhouse which was not immediately apparent from the statistical overviews so this would bolster the case of leaning towards essay previews.

Race review
The race was marred by the death of Damage Control. While fatal injuries are an inevitable consequence of the sport, as well as life in general, it never fails to sap the enthusiasm or demand reflection. Prior to the horse's passing, there had been 603 individual runs in the division this season without a single fatality which is a mercifully low rate of attrition. This also means that I have yet to be presented with the task of reviewing such an event. Matters pertinent to the horse's prospects or performance are completely irrelevant and will not be discussed. Cloying sentiments of condolences are also useless as while the event for many people involved with a deceased horse can be a wretched time, the same horses are concurrently viewed by many in the sport as transitory commodities whose death only provokes a call to the insurance company. Since condolences are more appropriate in some cases more than others, it is more practical to simply forego them as those who were affected will gain nothing from arbitrary remarks made in a detached environment. Nevertheless, if observations can be made pertinent to the causes of the accident, then they will be noted for posterity.

As for the contest as a contest. The last juvenile hurdle prior to the festive races, it has been used to introduce some useful sorts over the years including the likes of Abbyssial, Allblak des Places and Thunder Zone, but with the exception of the stricken horse, none of the newcomers were especially compelling. Those with the strongest hurdles experience earned ratings between 99 and 120 and would fill the first five places, albeit in the exact reverse order. Nevertheless, this group was well clear of the remainder. The pace was solid courtesy of a tearaway leader and the winning time was three seconds quicker than the 0-109 handicap which followed - although they had one less hurdle to jump. Though a pair of the principles underperformed and the quality of jumping was just below par, the finishing cluster was a reasonable one so the form has a fairly settled look without being completely solid.

Peckham Springs failed to score in six runs on the flat and had yet to perform up to his official rating of 79. He jumped poorly on his hurdling debut at Punchestown but made rapid headway to finish just over six lengths third. It was a substandard race for the venue and even his best flat form left him with something to find in this company. Nevertheless, apart from hesitating at the first and fifth, he jumped markedly better and it was a quicker - if untidy - jump at the last which gave him the decisive initiative. In the event, he also gave his trainer his first winner in the sphere. This marks a career best and though the bare form is not worth a great deal, having only made his racecourse debut in late August, further improvement is not out of the question. 111

Toughari achieved little in his first six starts on the flat and one over hurdles, but was able to break his duck at this venue in a handicap off 53 and put up an improved showing here next time over hurdles when an eight length fifth to Jeff Kidder. His jumping has been marked by trepidation and he was still steady going into several hurdles here while getting in too close. Prominent in the chasing pack, he was left in the lead turning in but was headed at the last where he was allowed to find his own stride and rewarded his jockey's trust by losing valuable momentum. Though it can not be said for certain that the mistake cost him the race, the cumulative effect of his entire round will have made a telling difference. There is a moderate race in him, particularly at this or a similar venue, but he might benefit more from a handicap mark. 109

Complete Fantasy was largely modest on the flat and his first two efforts over hurdles did not bring immediate improvement. Nevertheless, he jumped better on his third outing coming at this venue and he maintained his progression when third at Gowran Park last time out. Settling close behind the leaders of the chasing pack, his hurdling took a slight decline as he steadied into several flights and got in particularly close to the second. He was still in contention in the closing stages while unable but land a threatening blow on the race, came close to grabbing second on the line. This was another honest, if slightly regressive, performance and while he is capable of remaining competitive at this level, he is another who could find more success with a sufficient mark. 109

Charlie Bassett was in the process of making a respectable debut at Down Royal but for being brought down at the penultimate flight. Subsequently, he returned to the flat where he finished runner-up in a pair of maidens before a three length fifth in a similar contest at Leopardstown in mid October. Though slightly awkward over the first two hurdles, he was soon jumping well again and was still in touch three furlong out. However, his stamina had been questionable on the flat and though he also wanted for fitness, he failed to see out the trip here and faded to finish eleven lengths behind the third. Despite being a maiden after twelve starts, he is not short of ability or resolution. However, he may only be seen to best effect under the sharpest of conditions. 98

Ilmig began his racing career in early October but was already off the mark on his second start and was well supported ahead of his debut at Punchestown. But for one error, he put in a good round of jumping on that occasion and was equally proficient here after being well backed into 8/13 at the off. He jumped into the lead half a mile out and looked to be travelling well within himself. However, he found himself outpaced on the turn for home and would be left behind by his pacier opponents. It was a similar case on his Punchestown outing and being a flat winner over fourteen furlongs on soft ground, he looks likely to need a sterner test than that afforded by Fairyhouse. 98

Adamaris won his penultimate start on the flat and his official mark of 68 is workable at this level. He was set to make his jumps debut at Gowran Park but for being cast in his box, but was quietly fancied ahead of his introduction here. His hurdling began with him getting very close to the second and steadying at the third but there were no major complaints thereafter. He made some headway into a midfield position but was never able to advance further and was ultimately beaten by thirty-six lengths. Perhaps more time to recover from his box incident and an improvement in trainer form may see him in a better light, but there was nothing particularly encouraging on this showing. 75

Movie King was untidy over the first couple of flights but otherwise posted his cleanest round to date. Held up throughout the contest, he made minor headway with six furlongs to run but never got near to the leaders. He has been entered for a handicap on Sunday although his mark of 90 will require a performance surpassing anything he has achieved on either code. 74

Saga Malta has raced exclusively over hurdles in a four race career with her best effort being a twenty-six length fifth behind Crassus at Limerick. Her jumping was not as good on this occasion as though she was blameless for being baulked on landing at the second, was untidy at the next, got close to the fourth and skewed over the sixth. Her rating of 90 is feasible on her Limerick effort, but her general quality of jumping might be an impediment. 89

Roma Delight went into a clear lead from the start but jumped too exuberantly for her own good and was caught with five furlongs left to race before fading quickly. She did not settle on her debut and does not look a straightforward ride. 52

Townes was not completely disgraced on his hurdles debut at Cork as he was in front with three to go. However, he jumped worse here under a more conservative ride and finished completely tailed off. 0

Willywampus started the season with a rating of 80 but two below par runs saw his revised mark of 73 look harsh. He jumped fine on his hurdles debut at Limerick and though still in the rear, he had yet to be asked any serious question when taking off too early and falling at the fifth. He was not a forlorn a hope as the 125/1 odds suggested, but he has yet to demonstrate this year that he might be immediately competitive. 0

Lady Kapalua was tailed off on her racecourse debut in the season's curtain raiser back in August, and was badly hampered by the first flight faller. From there, her jumping was untidy and she was detached from an early stage before pulling up before three out. 0

Laralei finished a nine length third in a claimer on her final start for Ger Lyons, but showed absolutely no aptitude on her jumps bow. Her hurdling was very slow and she was completely detached after the second before pulling up later on in the race. 0

Damage Control was distracted by two horses steadying into the first flight, which he completely missed and tripped over. He appeared to break his neck on landing. The low sun coming from his left may have been a factor. For all that the incident is a rare occurrence, this may have been mitigated a practice hurdle so that the first flight might not have been a surprise to those in front of him.

[Kotkijet]

CHELTENHAM 12th December
Preview review
The winner had the strongest prospects and finished clear of a strung out field. The next two prospects finished in reverse order, though the third did himself no favours by getting lit up along the back. Camouflaged somewhat exceeded expectations although he still jumped poorly and never looked a threat to the first two.

Race review
Four of this race's graduates had been placed in the Triumph since 2012, but none of Nicky Henderson, Paul Nicholls or Philip Hobbs were represented in this renewal. Those with the best hurdles form came to the fore and finished in accordance with their prior achievements. They were also the most fluent hurdlers in the field by a considerable margin. The pace set looked decent enough but while the winning time was still nearly nine seconds slower than that set in the Bula hurdle, they did omit three hurdles. Ultimately, the form does look reliable, although it closer resembles a good Class 2 than a pattern quality race.

Adagio brought a rating close to 87 from the flat, overcame some sloppy jumping to make a winning jumps debut at Warwick, and surpassed that form when second in a Grade 2 on the old course. His jumping still lacked fluency on that occasion, but apart from being slightly untidy at the first two, put in a nice round of jumping on ground which would have been ideal. Held up near the rear, he was still in midfield turning for home before cruising into a prominent position at the distance and jumping into the lead over the last. From there, he ran on strongly to the line, increasing his superiority to nearly five lengths on the line. Given his clear round and ground preference, he was able to run his best race to date. While the bare form is not yet pattern class, this was only his fourth run this year so there is still room for further improvement. 127

Historic Heart already had five runs under his belt prior to this contest, but that experience along with the application of cheekpieces, enabled him to run a new career best. His jumping was perfectly clean and a more conservative ride preserved sufficient energy to move to the last without coming under a hard drive. Though unable to match the winner for pace on the run to the line, against whom he was conceding three pounds, he stayed on well to pull seven lengths clear of the remainder. Versatile insofar as the ground is concerned and increasingly straightforward in his nature, Historic Heart is a likeable sort. However, this performance provoked a thirteen pound rise in his handicap mark which would demand even further progression. 124

Son Of Red had been an improver on the flat through the autumn and showed decent speed and aptitude when making a winning hurdles debut at Newcastle. He could have settled better on that occasion and he was also lit up here. His jumping was less affected by his headstrong nature as the only errors he made were clipping the third and steadying slightly over the last. Though still in contention turning in, he was off the bridle two furlong out and began to fade after the last. Nevertheless, he was still putting himself into every stride and was able to match his Newcastle performance. He is a decent jumper and has a nice attitude but his inability to settle is detrimental to his efforts. If this can not be rectified then only the sharpest of tests will see him run above this level. 117

Camouflaged earned two wins and a rating of 76 for Mark Johnston which were sufficient to warrant a 90,000 guineas price tag at the Tattersalls August Sale. He was said to make a noise when disappointing on his hurdles bow at Huntingdon on the first of November, and a subsequent wind operation was complimented with a tongue tie for his second outing for Charlie Mann. There was a big leap forward from a form perspective, but this was compromised by some big and slow leaps over most of his hurdles. He was still disputing the lead at the distance but his wasteful hurdling took their toll from thereon as he weakened on the run in. There should be more to come if he is able to jump better. 107

Pawpaw was the most expensive prospective juvenile hurdler purchased at the Tattersalls July Sale, leaving Clive Cox for 60,000 guineas. Though his official mark of 74 was the lowest of the three newcomers, he finished the best of them despite pulling hard and making a calamitous error at the first which saw him skid on landing. His jumping only improved marginally from there and he was running green in the closing stages. Though he faded from a prominent position, he was able to regain a couple of places on the flat which offers some respite for his prospects. He is entitled to improve for his first outing since June and the early errors made his task appreciably more difficult. Pawpaw still has something to prove in the immediate future but his overall profile is not without its positives. 95

Shake A Leg was a fairly useful winner in Ireland for Andrew Oliver and has joined a yard with a good record in the division. Though his breeding does not compel any real enthusiasm for his hurdling prospects, he was not without his supporters moving from 13/2 in the morning to 4/1 at the off. However, he was another who pulled hard and held up in the rear, he made numerous mistakes throughout. He only had one behind turning in and though he made slight progress without closing on the leaders, his effort was further truncated by a slight stumble after the last. Better jumping can elicit some progress, but better was expected and his overall profile is not one of a potentially useful juvenile. 92

Simply True was formerly a stablemate of Shake A Leg with a higher official rating and a higher price tag at the Tattersalls Autumn Sale. He did not command the same market confidence however and though he led for all but the last three furlongs of the race, his reticent jumping and relative keenness prevented him from looking a serious threat. He lost his position turning for home and dropped back quickly through the field to finish the race forty-six lengths behind the winner. His being able to set and maintain a gallop is encouraging in and of itself and while his finish was underwhelming, he should gain from the experience along with a drop in class. 76

Blue Slate sprang a surprise when winning at Leicester given that he had previously been well beaten in a pair of sellers. Reasonable jumping was a crucial factor in his winning what was most likely a poor race. Such a thing was absent from the start here as he made a very bad mistake at the first, which was followed by steady approaches to, and poor jumps over, the remaining hurdles. In any event, he would likely have been completely outclassed without the error laden round. Nevertheless, this is a habit he will want to drop when he returns to a more appropriate level. 39

DONCASTER 12th December
Preview review
Glorious Zoff was given the strongest prospects with the caveat that he might be having his mark protected. However, while he did underperform, and the ground was more testing than ideal for him, it may be time to concede that his Sligo performance was overestimated. Otherwise, the field finished as anticipated.

Race review
The second graded contest of the season, this race had been won by useful sorts in the past including Peace And Co, Quel Destin and Sametegal. The former two did so for Paul Nicholls and it was this yard which produced another potentially classy sort. The pace set by the leader was a good one without being excessive and was in keeping with the Class 2 handicap hurdle. The winning time was also marginally quicker and the field finished in a strung out fashion and an appropriate order. The first and second jumped well for the most part and despite the small field, there is little reason to challenge the credibility of the form.

Monmiral was a decisive winner of the Prix Rush from Hell Red back in March and while he is thought of in terms of a chaser, he is quickly establishing himself as a serious juvenile hurdler. His winning UK debut at Exeter was a comfortable one and while it lacked substance, there was scope for further improvement. Particularly on the softer ground which he encountered here. Heading the pursuit of the clear leader, his jumping was decent with his only mistakes coming at the fifth where he got in close, and the penultimate flight where he was rather low and ended up skidding on landing. He closed on the leader turning for home and a good jump at three out saw him take the lead. His error at two out saw him shaken up to regain momentum and he was the best part of a dozen lengths clear approaching the last where another good leap put the seal on the contest. Given that the consistent runner-up likely ran a career best, and his winning time reads favourably against his 138 rated stablemate who took the handicap hurdle, it would be fair to place this performance as the best seen either side of the Irish Sea and French Channel. Though the going was officially good to soft, plenty of turf was getting kicked up and Monmiral has proven that he acts in testing conditions. That he has yet to be tested on a sounder surface presents a gap in his Triumph prospects. Saints Des Saints tend to be happy on soft ground but a few are versatile in this regard and close relative La Landiere won the Cathcart on good ground so his festival prospects can not be readily discounted. He is not entered in the Finale hurdle, but at this stage, he spearheads the British challenge for Triumph honours. 140

Gold Desert broke his duck when winning a poor race on his hurdling debut at Sedgefield in October, but has since gone from strength to strength with a third at the same venue and a second win at Catterick. Good ground at Catterick did not entirely play to his strengths and he needed every yard to grab the victory. His jumping has improved with each outing and under an enterprising ride here, he was very fluent over the first four hurdles. A lack of concentration saw him get the fifth wrong and wander somewhat into two out, but he was otherwise polished. Despite being outjumped and passed at three out, he did little wrong in isolation and though he was no match for the winner, he was able to reverse Sedgefield placings with Glorious Zoff to the tune of more than twenty lengths. His official mark of 123 is not a harsh one and he remains unchanged even after a new career best. Though a double penalty is a burden, he would remain competitive in average contests and can also be on the premises in weaker pattern races. Provided he stays healthy, Gold Desert still has more to offer this season. 124

Glorious Zoff failed to win in six starts for Charlie Hills on the flat and his rating of 72 was fair at best. Nevertheless, he made a most taking debut at Sligo where he jumped intelligently and won in nonchalant fashion from the capable Crassus. He was turned over next time at Sedgefield where his aptitude was a shadow of its Sligo mould and he posted an even lesser performance here. His first two jumps had a decided lack of fluency and he was squeezed in mid air at the third. With the exception of two out, the remainder of his round was reasonable but it was never electric and he travelled without conviction for most of the contest. It is plausible that this might have been an exercise in softening his rating of 131 for the benefit of potential handicap targets later in the season and the ground will have been quite unsuitable. However, the stir created by his Sligo performance has waned and in hindsight, it looks most likely that Crassus underperformed in comparison to his efforts either side and Sligo was used to rebuild his confidence. Glorious Zoff is still better than this and he would not be readily dismissed in the future. Nevertheless, perceptions of his ability have to be recalibrated and he will need to remember how to jump if he is to return to his best. 102

Cloud Thunder failed to win in seven attempts on the flat, but he came into this race following a succession of runner-up spots and a rating of 76. Though he was suffering a case of seconditis and traded as low as 1.03 when gubbed at Kempton, any suggestion that he might be ungenuine would be an unjust accusation. Nevertheless, he was thrown in at the deep end for his hurdles debut and he did himself no favours by being keen early on or jumping in a novicey style. He lost his position turning for home and ultimately finished a tired horse. On breeding, there is little reason for him to surpass his flat ability and unless he improves drastically for the experience, his prospects might hinge on the type of rating he eventually receives. 85

Mistersister finished less than two lengths behind Nassalam on his hurdles debut at Clairefontaine and though he was beaten much further by Saint Sam next time, he was able to win a claimer at Le Lion d'Angers after which he was bought for €16,006. Horses bought from French Claiming Hurdles are rarely top class, but they do have a solid winners to runners rate of 24% and have included fair sorts in Notus De La Tour and Chic Name. Returning after a break of over one hundred days, Mistersister was not especially well fancied in a first time tongue tie and did not jump especially well for a French import. He steadied going into the first and after being slightly untidy at the third and fourth, got in very close to the fifth from where he was always struggling before pulling up after the next. His mark has dropped five pounds to a more feasible 125 but he may be the type to acclimatise after a few more runs. 0

[Kotkijet]

CATTERICK 15th December
Preview review
More than three thousand words were written to preview the race which may be a record for a Catterick juvenile. Unfortunately, the concluding prospects list bore little resemblance to the finishing order as none of the strong or reasonable prospects finished placed and the winner appeared at number nine on the list. Notwithstanding, he still had feasible prospects which reflects the very open nature of this contest. Kings Creek was underestimated as his form was not discernibly the strongest and he had previously ran below par on soft ground. Nevertheless, the break opened the possibility of physical development and that appears to have been decisive. Furthermore, while the ground was described as soft, the dry weather probably made conditions less testing than anticipated. Wise Eagle had a questionable attitude, a patchy profile and was uncertain to stay. In his case, the removal of blinkers was a useful step and he adds to Free Eagle's fine start as a sire in the division. En Couleur had feasible prospects and his performance began a resurgence in his stable's form. Kiss My Face had strong prospects due to his bumper form, pedigree and yard but his jumping let him down massively on his hurdles debut. Sir Charles Punch's prospects were contingent on his jumping more confidently than he had in a better race on his debut but this did not materialise.

Race review
The race looked a trappy if average contest and it was ultimately decided between the three best jumpers on the day. The winner benefitted from a break and put his experience to good use here. The next pair jumped well and were upwards of seven lengths clear of the remainder which was headed by the highest rated flat horse. The pace was solid, the field finished strung out and there were no real hard luck stories so it looks reliable as it is on the day. Nevertheless, as the field were in various stages of their careers and most made numerous errors, it would be unlikely that the finishing order would be replicated were the contest to be repeated at the end of the season.

Kings Creek had shown fair if unremarkable form in two runs for Alan King in the summer and after a ?12,500 transfer to Iain Jardine, ran to a similar level at Sedgefield in late September. His performances had been marked by an understated professionalism and while he was fresh early on his first run for seventy-seven days, he jumped reasonably well once again. Always tracking the leaders, he moved into the lead turning into the straight and galloped on relentlessly under a hands and heels ride to win by five and a half lengths. The break clearly did him a world of good and he posted a new career best. His revised mark of 117 is not unjustly harsh but if he is an honest performer and can remain competitive if staying in good form. 115

Wise Eagle won a Lingfield maiden in February on his second flat start, but had subsequently finished seventh on four consecutive outings in handicap company. His latest rating of 67 was a reasonable reflection of his ability although he did pull extremely hard when last seen. The blinkers were left off for his stable/hurdling debut and he settled well in midfield from the outset. Apart from getting close to the sixth, he posted a respectable round for a newcomer and while he could not get close to the winner, a better jump at the last enabled him to finish second. Along with bolstering the jumps record of rookie sire Free Eagle, he also gave his trainer a solid first foray in the discipline. While this was not the highest quality contest, this was a pleasing debut and he should be of interest in ordinary company next time. 110

En Couleur showed some promise on his flat debut back in March but achieved little in two subsequent outings in October and started at 125/1 ahead of his hurdles debut at Wetherby. Nevertheless he outran those odds to finish just over eleven lengths fourth to First Impression and jumped well apart from getting close to the sixth. Making headway earlier from a rear position, he also jumped well here apart from getting close to the sixth and led the pursuit of the winner up the straight. A slightly untidy jump at the last compromised his chances of finishing runner up but he was still a good seven lengths clear of the remainder. His allotted rating of 108 is perfectly reasonable and this unexposed horse can progress further in the division. 108

Indigo Lake won a Newcastle handicap on his penultimate outing and the consequent rating of 91 is the highest seen thus far in the division. He has joined a good yard for his new vocation although his leaving John Gosden carries a certain impediment as it is rare for such expats to improve with a new trainer. Furthermore, while Frankel has had reasonable success in the division and the granddam is a half-sister to Kerawi, Juddemonte bred horses typically underachieve over hurdles. He was a solid favourite in the betting ahead of his hurdles debut but he ran nowhere near his flat ability. Though slightly baulked at the first, he was largely responsible for his own undoing as he was keen in the early stages, big over the second and fifth while being slow to get away from a few other jumps. While he was close enough if good enough in the straight and traded at odds-on in-running, he never looked a serious danger and was quite easily left behind by the front three. Indigo Lake has the raw ability to win modest races, but unless there is a dramatic improvement in his aptitude, he is unlikely to advance far beyond average company. 101

Kiss My Face had twice been placed in bumpers and was representing a good yard for the discipline. He was not unfancied but his jumping left a great deal to be desired as he made errors at most flights including getting close on several occasions as well as pecking on landing. There were a couple of incidents where he was baulked and bumped, including on the approach to the penultimate flight. He also covered more ground than most as he switched from an inside position in the back to going widest of all turning for home. These factors will have impacted his performance but not to the extent that he might have finished significantly closer. For a horse so inexperienced, it would be fair to not judge him too harshly on this outing. Nevertheless, he still needs to build on this performance in terms of aptitude and maturity before he begins to reach his potential. 94

Miracle Eagle was a progressive, if moderate, maiden on the flat and made a tolerable hurdling debut at Wetherby. A tendency to pull on the flat was less prevalent on that occasion and was virtually non-existent on her second try over hurdles. However, she was nowhere near as fluent this time round, steadying and getting too close to several hurdles. She raced prominently from the start but began to lose her position in the back straight. While she was able to pass a couple of beaten horses on the run-in, she did not close on the leaders and ultimately regressed from her debut outing. Better was expected and the yard was not in great form so she can still bounce back without holding pretentions to being above-average. 86

Sir Charles Punch had a deteriorating flat mark but this was less due to a loss of ability and more about his capacity to fulfil same as he had a habit of working himself up. He settled better on his hurdles debut in a solid looking race at Newcastle but he was impeded by hesitant jumping which once again prompted his demise. Reticence cost him ground at several hurdles and he was unable to make inroads in the straight. While he has not been completely disgraced thus far over hurdles, he needs to be more assured over his hurdles if he can be competitive in the sphere. 91

Yulong Magicreef disappointed after a promising flat debut and his reasonable jumping on his hurdles bow at Wetherby was the only positive to be drawn from that performance. He improved when next seen at Market Rasen when third in a slightly below-average contest and was representing the stable which won last year's renewal of this race. However, he was an alarming drifter in the markets, going from 5/1 in the morning to five times the price at the off. Apart from getting close to the first and steadying ahead of a skewed jump at the third, there was little other cause for complaint regarding his hurdling. However, while he entered the straight within a length of the leader, he would drop tamely through the field. His rating of 104 has yet to be justified by his performances in the division, but he is a sound enough jumper and it might be workable on his best flat form. 89

I'm Easy achieved little on the flat and ran to a similar level on his hurdles debut at Southwell in September. There was slightly more substance when a fine round of jumping saw him finish a thirty-four length fifth at Newcastle and was not far off that level here despite a regressive round of hurdling. He makes no appeal in open company but his rating of 85 is not excessive. 80

Genever Dragon won on his hurdling debut at Sedgefield with Kings Creek seven lengths behind in third. Though he disappointed on his return to that venue, a trip to Catterick saw something of a resurgence when third to Gold Desert. He led from the outset here and jumped well until completely missing three out. This error did not cost him the lead but it likely knocked the stuffing out of him as he was struggling shortly afterwards and weakening when making another blunder at the penultimate flight. His mark has dropped three pounds to 112 but this still demands a career best if he is to find it useful and his winners penalty will likely keep him vulnerable in open company. 82

Walkonby won four raced on the flat and while she was well beaten on her hurdles debut at Wetherby after taking a keen hold, she did jump neatly for a long way. However, though she settled better here, her jumping was a pale imitation of her Wetherby showing as she was big, slow and ungainly which prevented her from ever leaving the rear. While this was a slight improvement from a form perspective, she can not jump the way she did today if she is to rediscover the ability that saw her win races on the flat. 68

Fahad had initially been rated 77 on the flat for Roger Varian but had began to show signs of decline before switching to his new yard. His stable/hurdles debut came over this course and distance where he jumped poorly in the rear before passing beaten horses in the straight to finish a twenty-three length fifth. This time, he jumped moderately better in the rear but would not make any such progress and would be beaten twice the margin. 68

Where's The Tape jumped acceptably when fourth on her racecourse debut in a poor race at Sedgefield two months earlier. However, there was less fluency on display here and she never progressed from the rear of midfield. 54

Hellfire Kode beat only one of eighteen rivals during her two flat runs back in June and lacked fluency in the rear before finishing hopelessly tailed off. 0

[Kotkijet]

NEWBURY 16th December
Preview review
The uncertainly surrounding the abilities of Goodbye Stranger affected the shape of the preview. Particularly as while ordinarily, newcomers have a moderate record, this one was representing a top yard with no history of running such type. Nevertheless, he still had reasonable prospects due to breeding and connections and despite mixed signals from the market and an inauspicious start to the race, was able to make a winning debut. Strong prospect Leylak wanted somewhat for proven class, but he made a very encouraging debut and was feasibly unlucky to have made a mistake at the last as he did trade as low as 1.44 in running. Kentucky Hardboot exceeded expectations but the ground was not as testing as it could have been and he had experience to his name. Overpriced Mixer was a disappointment although it is possible his confidence was affected by his fall last time out. While the idea of trying to construct so IF/VLOOKUP formula to discern the record of juveniles coming back after a fall is an exciting one, time is currently limited. As such, a look at the Adrian Massey site shows that since 2012 three-year-olds after a fall have a 9.7% strike rate, which increases to 12.4% the race afterwards. the figures for four-year-old juveniles is 7.8% first race back, 9% after two races. This will not account for flat runs in the interim and it is a few seasons short of my worksheet. Nevertheless, a fall has a very tangible impact on a young horse's performance with is mitigated by a confidence booster.

Race review
This particular contest has a good history having been taken by the Triumph one-two in 2008. Clan des Obeaux and Style de Garde are a couple of the more notable recent participants and though those with experience look short of pattern class, the winning newcomer could be quite useful. He did not look brilliant in the opening stages, but he learned as the race progressed and he got ahead of a twice placed hurdler and another interesting newcomer at the line with the trio finishing nicely clear. The race was ran at a solid gallop and the winning time was over two seconds quicker than the following maiden which Nicky Henderson has won with very good sorts in the past. Kentucky Hardboot's position and proximity anchors the form to a certain extent, but the prominent newcomers do have scope for further improvement and could be useful recruits to the sphere.

Goodbye Stranger is something of an anomaly being a Nicky Henderson trained racecourse debutant. There was the option of running in a bumper which the trainer is not averse to doing, although no such horse goes on to contest juvenile hurdles. As it happened, he was sent straight over hurdles and although racecourse debutants have a poor record, he represented a yard with a good record in the race, comes from the same source as We Have A Dream, and is very much bred to do well in the discipline. His opening salvos did not look particularly encouraging as he steadied and hopped over the first, was steady again at the second and untidy at the third where he was shaken up after starting to get detached. The response was gradual but he began to jump with a better rhythm and was actually taking a pull passing the cross-fence. He was still closer to last than first turning into the straight but had got to within a length of the lead at the distance. Untidy jumps at the last two flights compromised his momentum, but he rallied on the run-in and was able to get to the front half a furlong out, finishing a length clear at the line. The signs of inexperience were most conspicuous but he learned a lot from this outing. While the bare form is not a great deal better than average, there is plenty of encouragement to be drawn from this introduction and it will be interesting to see where he goes next. He is currently available at 33/1 for the Triumph although there is work to be done before he can be considered a serious contender. 117

Kentucky Hardboot won a good-to-firm seven furlong Yarmouth handicap in June off 55 and had a patchy profile for a prospective hurdler. Nevertheless, he justified outside support ahead of his jumps bow at Kempton by finishing second to Overpriced Mixer ahead of two subsequent winners. He was not disgraced next time in an open-aged maiden at Huntingdon and appreciated the return to his age group where he posted a new career best. His jumping had been patchy during his first two spins over hurdles, but apart from getting slightly close to the first and the last, hurdled quite well. If there is a criticism, it is that he affords his hurdles a little too much respect and while this does not cost him a great deal of momentum, it will sap the cumulative energy. It emerged after the contest that he lost his left-fore shoe which affords him further credit while possibly explaining his jumping. He is getting closer to his rating of 118 and in a race with more emphasis on speed, he should be a likely sort. 116

Leylak placed no better than sixth in three maiden contests for Michael Halford, but he ran to a creditable standard and is an interesting acquisition for a Dan Skelton yard which has had success with juveniles from the same source. Held up in midfield, he jumped reasonably well without being foot perfect in general. Despite wandering on the approach to the last, he still looked to hold every chance before getting in too close and being slow to get away from the flight. It took him several strides to regain his momentum and he was not helped when the runner-up drifted in front of him half a furlong out. Though he managed to get within a length of the runner-up at the line, the damage had already been done. Whether he would have won with better luck during the final two furlongs is not a ludicrous position, but in the grand scheme of things it is neither here nor there. What can be said is that Leylak showed signs of definite promise on his hurdling debut and he could develop into a fairly useful sort as he matures and gains further experience. 116

Tinnahalla did not win during seven flat outings, but his rating of 75 is sensible and he has shown the requisite stamina for his new career. With Starspangledbanner emerging as a feasible sire of juveniles, Tinnahalla is seriously well bred recruit to the division as he is a half-brother to Thomas Hobson and Drifter while his dam is a half-sister to Triumph Hurdle winner Celestial Halo. He was tried in a hood for the first time and while he was not fighting for his head, he did pull himself into a clear lead passing the stands. He would maintain this lead until the approach to the penultimate flight and although he was readily outpaced by the front three, he was able to preserve an advantage of three lengths over the remainder of the field. Tinnahalla will need to jump and settle better if he is to progress, but it was respectable introduction nonetheless. 107

Iron Heart was a dual winner on the flat for Andrew Balding, but ran below par on his hurdling debut at Wincanton where conditions appeared to be ideal. An untidy round of jumping likely caused a wound on his near fore and he was hesitant going over the final two hurdles. He was very hesitant and untidy at the first here and also steadied into the next. Though he was better over the next three, he skewed over the fifth and was close at the next two, stumbling on landing at the penultimate flight. As rotten luck would have it, he was found to have suffered an overreach on the same hoof he injured at Wincanton. That he stayed on up the run-in, albeit as a thirteen-length fifth, is a tribute to his courage and was vast improvement on his debut outing. He has yet to match his flat form and he may be even more reticent when facing hurdles once again. Nevertheless, his efforts are not without promise and if he becomes more assured over his hurdles and perhaps undergoes a gelding operation then he might find himself with a kind handicap mark. 104

Wightman won one of his twelve starts on the flat, but had not performed beyond a mile and is not especially bred for a hurdling career. Held up just behind midfield, his jumping was rarely catastrophic but it did leave plenty to be desired as he had a habit of landing steeply. He made slight headway passing the cross-fence but never moved into a challenging position and finished quite tired. This was not a disgraceful performance but he does not look an obvious sort going forward. 99

Albert Van Ornum was successful on his penultimate outing in a moderate conditions race at Auch, although the form is not worth a huge amount. Nevertheless, he has joined a very capable yard and is bred to make a better hurdler. However, while he attempted to track the leaders, he was keen early and an unbroken sequence of moderate jumps were detrimental to his efforts. He was a tired horse in the closing stages and while there is some scope for improvement, he would only be of interest in moderate company at this juncture. 98

Overpriced Mixer made a winning start to his hurdling career at Kempton despite a last flight blunder causing his jockey to complete the race without stirrups. Foregoing the Grade 2 at Cheltenham, he was in the process of running a respectable race at Ludlow before falling at two out. Though he would likely have finished second, it is a race which has worked out well and he started favourite for this contest. However, that fall appears to have affected his confidence as while he has not yet been the most fluent jumper, this was his least fluent round overall, steadying into the first and fifth and getting too close to three others including the last. This was much his worst showing in three jumps outings to date, but he is entitled to do better if more confident for the experience. 103

Splinter scored in a Musselburgh seller on his penultimate start for Richard Fahey and since joined Alex Hales for 9,000 guineas. He was anything but fluent on his hurdles debut as he was either steady, close, big or slow at most of his hurdles. Though he initially tracked the leaders, he lost his place along the back straight and began to get detached with half a mile to run. 78

Night Bear finished runner-up to subsequent Doncaster Cup fourth Revolver at Haydock on his penultimate start and was not unfancied ahead of his hurdles debut. Though he was baulked and squeezed on a couple of occasions, his poor jumping was the main culprit of this lacklustre performance. The vet reported that Night Beat lost his near-fore shoe and it would be premature to completely write him off. Nevertheless, he does have questions to answer for the time being. 69

Prince Percy was a respectable second to Soldier On Parade at Market Rasen on his hurdling debut back in July, but subsequently disappointed on the flat and was pulled up when last seen at Plumpton three months ago. To his credit, he posted the cleanest round of jumping in the field, but he never the rear of the field and was pulled up before the last. He had reportedly been struck into on his off-hind and incidentally, his mark of 102 is not unduly harsh. Notwithstanding, he has an increasing amount to prove at this stage. 0

[Kotkijet]

Merry Boxing Day Eve to one and all. The preview for the big one at Leopardstown has taken priority and will be posted now. I will try to do something for the umpteen runner maiden at Limerick although it might end up being slightly thinner.

Tomorrow's Grade Two at Leopardstown is one with a strong tradition and since 2007, has supplied ten horses placed in the Triumph Hurdle, three winners and nine additional placed horses for the Punchestown Champion 4YO, two Anniversary winners and a pair of Fred Winter heroes. It briefly carried Grade One status in 2007 and 2008 this year's renewal could be worthy of such stature. While Youmdor, Duffle Coat and Quilixios are notable absences, their yards are still represented with top horses in the division in Zanahiyr and Saint Sam. Two undefeated French imports make their Irish debuts, Autumn Evening puts his perfect record on the line, and the field is completed by two other winners from good yards. This will be Leopardstown's first contest of the season and with average winning seasonal RPRs of 139 mean, 142 median, it invariably takes a good horse to win at the venue. A largely level racecourse with a slight rise in the straight, it is fair in its nature and its clear round rate of 95.84% is broadly average, but it can still take some getting as its winning DIs of 1.00 median and 1.22 mean attest. The going is currently yielding to soft with showers forecast tomorrow morning.

Zanahiyr chg Gordon Elliott f4-1-1 (-) 80 j2-2-0 (-) 145 143
Nathaniel (Marju){9-c}(0.53) 2/1 Zarinava 1st Doncaster Mares' Hurdle (G2), Doncaster 2012
An unexposed improver on the flat for Michael Halford, Zanahiyr had the right credentials to make a decent juvenile hurdler being a son of Nathaniel from the family of several top hurdlers and is in the right hands to maximise his potential. He made a promising hurdling debut at Ballinrobe over eighteen furlongs on soft ground. There he beat Dark Voyager by a couple of lengths and jumped decently save for a few minor errors. He was stepped up in class to contest a Grade Three at Fairyhouse and made such an impression that he was catapulted to the head of the Triumph Hurdle market. Settling behind clear leader Druid's Altar, Zanahiyr closed to within a length with six furlongs left to run. He shared the lead on the turn for home and had cruised into a definitive lead by the penultimate flight. Shaken up on the approach to the last, he quickly extended his advantage to over a dozen lengths which he would maintain to the line. While the word perfect should be avoided when describing racehorses, apart from very slightly brushing the top of two out, Zanahiyr jumped about as well as is possible for a juvenile hurdler. The winning time was also extraordinary as it was over ten seconds quicker than the Royal Bond. If looking for reasons to downplay this performance, the capitulation of Druid's Altar left Zanahiyr with only Saint Sam to beat who was an import having his first outing for four months. Furthermore, given the exceptional nature of this performance, it is possible that conditions were absolutely optimal for him on this occasion. Reopposing Druid's Altar and Saint Sam, there is definite strength in depth amongst his opposition and all of his rivals are both unexposed and entitled to be here. Nevertheless, he is the most accomplished horse in the line up and while Leopardstown is quite different to Fairyhouse, he has won on soft ground, comfortably saw out the two mile two furlongs at Ballinrobe and was second in a Navan maiden on his only previous attempt going left handed. Furthermore, despite this race long being the target for Quilixios and with Duffle Coat not taking up this engagement, it is telling that Zanahiyr is the chosen representative of a very strong Gordon Elliott team. Everything is in its right place and the only threats to Zanahiyr's perfect record are a revelatory performance from a rival or a dramatic underperformance on his own part.

Autumn Evening chg Mrs John Harrington f4-0-2 (78) 78 j1-1-0 (-) 118 121
Tamayuz (Manduro){1-t}(1.25) 2/1 Menelaus 1st Handicap Hurdle (98), Towcester 2007
Jessica Harrington is perhaps stronger associated with her flat exploits these days, but she has a strong history in this division with the likes of Breathing Fire, Personal Column and Imazulutoo carrying her flag with honour. Got Trumped, who finished third in this contest two years ago, has been her best recent juvenile but she may have a useful prospect in Autumn Evening. First appearing on the racecourse in late August, he followed a pair of reasonable outings with two successive third place finishes at Navan and the Curragh in the Autumn. By Tamayuz, who has produced minor winning juveniles, and distantly related to Its'afreebee (3/2) and Sausalito Bay (5/2), Autumn Evening was sent off a well backed 5/4 favourite on his hurdling debut at Cork earlier this month and obliged in pleasing fashion. A solid stamp of a horse, he was always racing prominently and jumped nicely for the most part. He got in slightly close to three out but travelled smoothly to the penultimate flight where he jumped into a slender lead. He cruised towards the final flight but an untidy leap saw him skid on landing and lose some momentum. Nevertheless, he only needed a hands and heels ride to regain superiority and carried a length advantage over the line. The bare form is nothing out of the ordinary but it was a comfortable success on the back of a taking display of jumping. It remains to be seen how far he can progress and he needs to improve considerably to land this race. Nevertheless, the conditions present no obvious problems and he is entitled to take his chance.

Busselton bg Joseph Patrick O'Brien f1-0-0 j1-1-0 (-) 119
Mastercraftsman (Rock Of Gibraltar){1-u}(2.43) 5/4 Soldier On Parade 1st Juvenile Hurdle, Market Rasen 2020

https://www.equidia.fr/chevaux/busselton

The Prix Wild Monarch is contest for horses making their first appearances over hurdles. Recent graduates include Footpad, Bivouac, Dolas and Botox Has, maintaining its tradition of introducing top-class animals to the game over the years such as Long Run, Golden Silver, Remember Rose, Hinterland and Le Grand Luce to name but a few. Though usually held in April, this year's edition was postponed until May and boasting a large field of nineteen starters. David Cottin saddled his second successive winner in the race and this year's representative was Busselton. His fourth dam, 1983 1000 Guineas winner Ma Biche, has not supplemented her successes on the racecourse in the breeding sheds and Busselton is her only descendant to have won over obstacles. Indeed, the closest other relative to have scored over jumps is this season's Market Rasen winner Soldier On Parade. Rock Of Gibraltar was capable as a sire of juveniles but offers little enthusiasm as a damsire. However, for all that the distaff side is a proverbial family tree of woe, sire Mastercraftsman is the leading sire of juveniles by individual winners which amounts to a respectable 29.43% of all runners. Furthermore, two of the three Joseph O'Brien juveniles who started in French Hurdle races have won first time out and the third, Fine Brunello, chased home stablemate and fellow import Fakir d'Oudairies in the Grade Two Finesse in 2019. Busselton began his career with a sixth placed finish in an ordinary flat maiden at Angers last November ahead of the Prix Wild Monarch where he started the lesser fancied of the David Cottin pair. Racing prominently, his early jumping was poor as he was big and skewed over the second, third and fourth hurdles. He became more fluent as the race progressed and while he skewed slightly over the penultimate flight, he took the last well enough and was a two length winner at the line. Runner-up State Man has since been exported and has not ran since while third placed Bimbo Has was second at Auteuil on her only subsequent completed start. Fourth placed Hades has established himself as a decent chaser, finishing second in the Groupe II Prix Congress and this quartet were upwards of ten lengths clear of the remainder which includes listed winner Chichi de la Vega. Joseph O'Brien has failed to win this contest in six attempts but has collected places with useful sorts A Wave Of The Sea and Landofhopeandglory. Busselton will want to jump better than he had on his debut but the form is developing nicely. However, while the yard's first-time out record with French hurdlers is good, these wins came in maiden company from which Busselton is excluded and the only available options since Druid's Altar's race in mid November have been graded contests so his introduction in exalted company might not be a clue in and of itself.

Druid's Altar bg Joseph Patrick O'Brien f5-1-2 (86) 79 j2-1-1 (-) 120 124
Mastercraftsman (Sadler's Wells){13-c}(1.20) 0.5 Waterlord 4th Rossington Main Novices' Hurdle (G2), Haydock 2018
Druid's Altar held an entry in the Tattersalls August Sale but his withdrawal proved vindicated as his subsequent flat form included a Bellewstown performance which was two degrees of separation from the Breeder's Cup Mile winner, and wins of his own in a Listowel maiden and a Punchestown juvenile in November. His jumping was not always fluent on that occasion and though he was a decisive winner, the form has only been justified rather than advanced with Autumn Evening holding him on a line through Flying Scotsman. Nevertheless, Druid's Altar took his place in Zanahiyr's Grade Three but he went off way too quickly and jumping untidily again, was caught with six furlong left to run before finishing over thirty lengths behind the front two. He is capable of better if ridden with more restraint but he looks the yard's second string and would need a career best to threaten the leading contenders here.

Ha d'Or bg W P Mullins b1-1-0
Nidor (Network){10-e}(0.41) 2/1 Saintavrilois 1st 4yo Hurdle (Listed), Auteuil 2009

https://www.equidia.fr/chevaux/ha-dor

Laurent Viel has been the source of three juvenile hurdlers since 2013 including Nicky Henderson's dual winner Grand Roi, and Florishwells d'Ete who made a winning debut for Willie Mullins. His latest export, Ha d'Or, won his sole start in an AQPS bumper at Senonnes on the first of July. Held up for much of the contest, he was still in last turning for home but despite running green, hit the front with a furlong to go and was a comfortable six lengths clear at the line. The race has no discernible history but the runner-up subsequently made a winning hurdles debut in a Auteuil newcomers event in October. Willie Mullins has done well with ex-French bumper horses with good types Ut De Sivola, Dandy Mag and French Made all winning on their Irish debuts. Interestingly, Ha d'Or had the option of either starting in a bumper or having a season to develop. However, not only have connections opted to send him straight over hurdles, they have chosen to do so in a very hot contest which is precedent setting for the yard given that Ha d'Or had ample opportunity to start off in a maiden race such as the one held on Sunday which was used to introduce Secant Star in 2009. While certainly bred to be a jumper, he does not have an obvious juvenile pedigree. Sire Nidor won as a four-year-old over hurdles and as a stallion, produced Nicky Henderson's Valtor, listed hurdle winner Corazones and cross country chaser Utah de la Coquais. Curiously, assuming Ha d'Or faces the starter tomorrow, he will be the first of Nidor's 184 offspring to race over hurdles as a three-year-old. There are numerous winners on the damline, and the dam is a half-sister to Advriloise who won a modest three-year-old hurdle at Saint-Brieuc, but most tend to get better with age. By all measures, Ha d'Or has the profile of a long term prospect. But the fact that he has been selected for this contest, especially when the yard has Youmdor at its disposal, definitely provokes intrigue and the booking of Rachael Blackmore further suggests that he is not here to make up the numbers.

Jeff Kidder bg Noel Meade f7-1-2 (68) 73 j3-1-2 (-) 115 117
Hallowed Crown (Rail Link){1-l}(0.71) 3/2 Hills Of Aran 2nd Rendlesham Hurdle (G2), Haydock 2009
Jeff Kidder finished runner-up on his first two hurdles starts behind Longclaw and Scholastic and following a sharpener at this venue, gained his first jumps success in a Fairyhouse maiden in early November. His jumping had initially been a cause for some trepidation, but was much more fluent on the softer ground last time. It was not a perfect round as he rather steadied at the first, clipped the top of the second and was slightly awkward at the seventh. Nevertheless, it was a clean round overall and he travelled kindly throughout. Always racing prominently while tracking the frontrunners, he found himself boxed in when attempting to challenge turning for home. Nevertheless, he was able to get a clear run approaching the last where a good jump gave him momentum which he carried strongly to the line. The bare form is merely above average and though the career best was indicative of improvement in terms of attitude and aptitude, he has plenty to prove going into a race last won by his trainer in 2004 with Arch Rebel.

Saint Sam bg Willie Mullins j4-2-1 (-) 131 133
Saint des Saints (Linda's Lad){19-b}(0.67) 1/0 Ladeka 2nd Prix Bournosienne (G3), Auteuil 2013

https://www.equidia.fr/chevaux/saint...union=Obstacle

Following a fairly lukewarm debut in the Prix du Buissonnet at Dieppe on the first of June, Saint Sam returned to the Normandy venue later that month where he put up a battling performance to win the Prix Soldat. His next victory in the Prix de l'Oudon carries more substance as he gave five kilos to runner-up Piriac, currently rated 130, who previously finished within a length of Nassalam while in receipt of a kilo. Saint Sam gave a two kilo and a four-and-a-half length beating to third placed Horse Maha who has since won at Dieppe and Toulouse and is currently rated 136. His Irish debut came in the Fairyhouse Grade Three was which used by the trainer to introduce Bapaume and Kalkir in recent seasons and he was sent off an odds-on favourite. Racing alongside Zanahiyr throughout the race, his jumping was very good and the only errors he made were clipping the top of the second and the last while getting in close to the sixth. He had the measure of Druid's Altar as easily as Zanahiyr and traded as low as 1.47 in-running after briefly looking to be travelling the better of the pair. However, it soon became apparent that he was no match for the winner on the day, and plugged on to finish fourteen lengths in arrears. Nevertheless, this was a very pleasing first run for Willie Mullins and with experience under his belt and fitness on his side, he might have more to offer with the benefit of a seven pound pull at the weights. Incidentally, he is from the same family as Blood Cotil (4/3) who was another French hurdles import who won this race on his second start for connections in 2012.

Strong prospects
1. Zanahiyr
Reasonable prospects
2. Saint Sam
3. Ha d'Or
Feasible prospects
4. Busselton
5. Autumn Evening
Moderate prospects
6. Jeff Kidder
7. Druid's Altar

[Kotkijet]

Knew I'd forget this...

Triumph Hurdle
Zanahiyr 4/1
Ha d'Or 33/1
Busselton 40/1
Saint Sam 40/1
Autumn Evening 50/1
Druid's Altar 100/1

Fred Winter
Autumn Evening 14/1
Saint Sam 16/1

[Kotkijet]

Tomorrow's maiden at Limerick was switched to its Boxing Day slot in 2016 and while it competes with a similar contest held at Leopardstown, it has an above average record. Band Of Outlaws broke his duck in this race ahead of winning the Fred Winter and Dogora landed the 2012 renewal before achieving places in several graded contests. This year's edition looks fairly useful with Palm Beach and Zoffanien, second and third at the track at the beginning of the month, renewing their rivalry, Gordon Elliott could have up to three runners depending on the reserve situation and a pair of flat recruits bring useful form to the table. The race might want for strength in depth however, as the general standard of form is moderate and over half of the trainers represented are winless in this sphere. Limerick is a galloping, undulating track and its average winning DIs of 1.11 median and 1.38 mean are almost precisely average. Its clear round rate of 96.73% is just higher than standard as is the completion rate of 88.94%, although with heavy ground and further showers forecast, it will not be a stroll in the Greenmount Park.

Triumph Hurdle
Palm Beach 66/1
Fred Winter
Palm Beach 33/1

Call Me Rocky bg Denis Gerard Hogan f6-1-3 (79) 83
Society Rock (Intikhab){2-d}(1.46) 2/1 Boy Royal 1st 4yo Hurdle, Clairefontaine 2018
A winner of a mile maiden on good ground at this venue back in July, Call Me Rocky also showed form on heavy when second off 78 in a nine furlong handicap on his penultimate outing. Fetching 13,000 guineas at the Tattersalls Autumn Sale, he left a Johnny Murtagh yard whose former inmates have a poor record in the division with only one of fifteen horses finding the winners enclosure. Society Rock has had a winner and two improvers from a handful of juvenile hurdlers and the dam is a half-sister to hurdle winners Boy Royal and Celticello. Denis Gerard Hogan also gets winning juveniles although his overall strike rate is just 4.35% and only 28.57% of his charges improve for the switch between codes. Call Me Rocky has acceptable flat form and breeding, but his profile is sketchy otherwise and his stamina is not completely assured.

Complete Fantasy bg Peter Fahey f5-0-0 (54) 70 j5-0-2 (-) 112 115
Make Believe (Night Shift){42}(1.67) 0.5 Monkeylou 3rd 3-y-o Maiden Hurdle, Ballinrobe 2018
Complete Fantasy was largely modest on the flat and his first two efforts over hurdles did not bring immediate improvement. Nevertheless, he jumped better on his third outing coming at Fairyhouse in November and he maintained his progression when third at Gowran Park later that month. He returned to Fairyhouse a fortnight ago where he finished third in a lesser contest. Settling close behind the leaders of the chasing pack, his hurdling took a slight decline as he steadied into several flights and got in particularly close to the second. He was still in contention in the closing stages and while unable land a threatening blow on the race, came close to grabbing second on the line. This was another honest, if slightly regressive, performance and while he is capable of running an honest at this level, he might once again find a couple of his rivals too good.

On Guard bg Gordon Elliott f3-1-1 (86) 88 j1-0-0 (-) 93 96
Invincible Spirit (Giant’s Causeway){1-e}(1.40) 2/2 Strolling Home 1st 4yo Maiden Hurdle, Tramore 2008
On Guard left John Gosden at the Tattersalls August sale for 52,000 guineas to join Gordon Elliott with an official rating of 86. On that basis alone, he could have been seen as an interesting recruit to the division. After a promising debut second at Haydock last year, he won a six runner Yarmouth Novice Stakes from three subsequent winners and two subsequent runners up. Leading from the start, he was headed over a furlong out and drifted out to 20/1 in-running before rallying to regain the lead close to the line. He played up prior to his latest flat outing in the Queen's Vase and refused to settle while being held up, before finishing tailed off. It is typical of juveniles whose flat careers began with John Gosden to disappoint over hurdles without even taking into account the heightened expectations. Of the fifty horses to have made the switch from Clarehaven to hurdles, only six managed to win a race. Three of those with fruitless campaigns sold for over ?100,000 and only Tom George's Petit Palais earned more than ?10,000 in prize money. Invincible Spirit's record in the sphere is also poor and as though his 9.68% winners to runners rate since 2008/09 was not bad enough, none of his eighteen juveniles since 2012/13 have won a race between them. There are some positives on the damline however as the likes of Chivalry (3/2), Sir Erec (3/3) and jumps stallion Mahler (3/2) can be found. On Guard made it seventeen winless juveniles for Invincible Spirit on his hurdling debut at Killarney in early October where he was an uneasy even money favourite. There he was very fresh in the first part of the contest, wandering into most of his early hurdles and almost refusing at the second. While he was able to settle eventually, he was a tired horse by the end of the race finishing a seventeen length fourth in a moderate looking contest. On Guard showed enough promise to suggest he can be competitive at a moderate level if he becomes more fluent, but he would be breaking a mould if he is to be much better than average in this discipline. This would not be a race that Gordon Elliott typically targets with his better juveniles, with only Vercingetorix of his eight participants winning or achieving an RPR exceeding 117 during the season. Furthermore, having twice been withdrawn from intended engagements, he does not look the most sound of horses and his ability to handle the ground is debatable.

Palm Beach bc Joseph Patrick O'Brien f2-1-0 (-) 82 j1-0-1 (-) 120 124
Galileo (Anabaa){8-f}(0.77) 2/1 Armen 3rd Anniversary Hurdle (G2), Aintree 2001
The second ex-Ballydoyle runner for the yard this season, Palm Beach held a Derby entry after the first scratchings deadline, but did not make the racecourse until September when fourth at Tipperary. He got off the mark later that month in a heavy ground, twelve furlong maiden at Listowel. The second won a maiden next time and the third subsequently took a listed hurdle, with the trio over seven lengths clear of the remainder. A brother to St Leger third Southern France and out of a half-sister to Prix de Diane runner-up Abbatiale, Palm Beach is bred in a manner befitting his Derby entry. Nevertheless, the pedigree is not bereft of useful jumpers as the damline features the likes of Flash Ball (3/1), Amant Gris (3/2) and Triumph Hurdle third Boarding School (4/2). Although he drifted from 8/13 ahead of his hurdles bow at Limerick this month, he still started a shade of odds-on to make a winning hurdling debut and traded as low as 1.3 in-running to do so. However, he was not helped by some novicey jumping as he got in close to several of his hurdles as well as steadying into the fourth. He was green in the closing stages, but this was due to his inexperience rather than any obvious recalcitrance and was simply beaten by a horse with a better idea about the game. He had the measure of Zoffanien who was just under three lengths further behind and there is no reason why those placings ought to be reversed. If Palm Beach improves for the experience then he holds strong chances here, particularly as the yard won this race with Band Of Outlaws two years ago, and its decent flat recruits have a second time out strike rate of 23.33% compared to a first time rate of 8.11%.

Self Assessed bg S J Mahon f6-0-0 (54) 63
Fracas (Pour Moi){1-l}(0.55) 3/1 Run Hurricane 3rd Maiden Hurdle, Clonmel 2015
Leaving Jim Bolger with a rating of 62 after four outings, Self Assessed has since been beaten a combined sixty-five lengths in a pair of handicaps at Limerick and Galway for Stephen Mahon. His new trainer has sent out a winning juvenile from nine starts, which came in an August contest at Galway, but can also count a faller and an unseat among those numbers. Two of the five Fracas juveniles have been winners and while Pour Moi has yet to have a runner as a damsire, his record as a sire is very positive. Nevertheless, there is little encouragement on the immediate damline and even without his poor recent flat efforts, he would still have plenty to find in this company.

Stage Power bg John F Gleeson f5-0-0 (50) 51 j2-0-0 (-) 65 70
Tamayuz (Lawman){5-h}(1.67) 4/1 Danever 1st George Watson Novice Hurdle (L), Flemington 2008
Collecting only duck eggs on the flat, Stage Power jumped poorly on his hurdles bow at Punchestown before beating home only one finisher. His round next time at Cork started with novicey jumps, but while it improved down the back, he was still only able to beat one finisher home. Though it was a career best effort, there are no signs of him being competitive any time soon.

Star Of Cashel bg J A Stack f8-3-1 (89) 95
No Nay Never (Dubai Destination){11}(1.22) 2/1 Woody's Dream 4th 4YO Hurdle, Fontwell 2009
Fozzy Stack has been the source of fourteen juveniles since 2008/09 and three of those have been winners. During that time, he has saddled just the one hurdler himself which was Carlo Biraghi who won a Punchestown juvenile last January on his sole hurdles start. Star Of Cashel bids to maintain that perfect record and based on his three timer accrued in July, his class affords him some chance of doing so. Though his wins came between seven furlongs and a mile, the second of those came on heavy ground and he showed himself a game and genuine horse in the process. Sire No Nay Never has yet to have a winning hurdler and only a couple have reached a place, although his early progeny can be capable of getting a trip. The damline is less encouraging however as it contains few jumpers and the bulk of quality flat horses, including the dam's half-brother Benbaun, are sprinters. Furthermore, it is not clear how well Star Of Cashel will take his gelding operation and while his chances are at least credible, there remain prominent doubts regarding his stamina.

The Copper Kid bg E Sheehy f1-0-0 (-) 19
French Navy (Iffraaj){6-e}(1.44) 2/1 Tagg's Island 1st 4yo Hurdle, Gowran Park 2016
None of Dusty Sheehy's four juvenile hurdlers since 2009 have finished better than eights and his latest recruit, The Copper Kid, finished a twenty-two length eleventh of twelve in a Dundalk maiden two weeks ago. French Navy has already had a winner from his first crop in Son Of Red, and the dam is a half-sister to a winning hurdler. However, that is the full extent of The Copper Kid's prospects.

Thekeyisnottopanic bg C W J Farrell f5-0-0 (50) 49 j2-0-0 (-) 57 62
Rock Of Gibraltar (Areion){16-c}(2.43) 3/1 Salden Licht 3rd Aintree Hurdle (G1), Aintree 2011
If having an amusing name was directly linked to a horse's success, then Thekeyisnottopanic would be leading the Triumph Hurdle markets. However, jumping quickly and moving at speed are more critical factors and Thekeyisnottopanic demonstrated neither of those attributes either at Ballinrobe in August, or Killarney in October. He was not beaten out of sight in two flat handicaps last month, but they came off very low marks and he makes little appeal on his return to hurdling.

Tintean Fein chg John Gerard Fitzgerald Unraced
Power (Cozzene){13-c}(1.50) 2/1 Charming Girl 2nd Top Novices' Hurdle (G2), Aintree 1996
Unraced racecourse debutants generally have a poor record in the division with a historical strike rate of just 2%. However, Goodbye Stranger recently became the third such winner this term after Duffle Coat and Merry Poppins, giving newcomers a 9.38% strike rate for the season. Tintean Fein is a half-brother to crack American two-year-old Toccet along with winning juvenile hurdler Agreement. His dam is a half-sister to three winning hurdlers including Funambulien, decent French juvenile Carson Bay and useful novice Charming Girl. Four of Power's ten juveniles have been winners including Way Back Home and Our Power and Cozzene has an identical record as a damsire. John Gerard Fitzgerald has yet to saddle a winner under either code since starting in 2013 and while Tintean Fein's pedigree is interesting, it would be a big surprise if he made a winning start in this company.

Townes bg Thomas Cleary f5-0-0 (53) 54 j2-0-0 (-) 86 89
Elusive Pimpernel (Kodiac){12-g}(1.22) 3/3 Berjou 3rd Grande Course de Haies d'Auteuil (G1), Auteuil 2019
Townes achieved little in five runs on the flat for Richard John O'Brien, but was still in contention with three to jump at Cork before fading. However, he ran no kind of race last time at Fairyhouse and has plenty on his plate here.

Willywampus chg Donal Commins f5-0-1 (73) 82 j2-0-0 (-) 76 80
Zoffany (Medicean){16-h}(3.00) 3/1 Swiss Guard 1st Handicap Hurdle (93), Lingfield 2011
Three promising runs as a two-year-old saw Willywampus begin the year with a rating of 80. He ran nowhere near that level in two starts back in June and was keen early on his hurdles debut at this venue at the beginning of the month. He faded with four furlongs to run but his jumping was decent if nothing else. His latest outing came at Fairyhouse two weeks ago and though he started at 125/1, he had yet to be asked a question when taking off too early and falling at the fifth. He is not as forlorn a hope as those odds suggest, but he will need to be at his best to be competitive here.

Zoffanien bg Denis Gerard Hogan f6-2-0 FrF 37.5 (85) 58 j1-0-1 (-) 117 121
Zoffany (Monsun){1-n}(0.87) 2/1 Amarak 1st 4yo Conditions Hurdle, Auteuil 2011

https://www.equidia.fr/chevaux/zoffanien

Zoffanien was available at 16/1 in the morning of his hurdles bow at this venue at the beginning of the month, but started the race at 6/1. While this movement has the hallmarks of a plunge, there was no reason to be as large as he was as his flat form and pedigree afforded him credible prospects. He won two of his starts for Yan Durepaire, including a 2300 metre good ground Dax handicap off an equivalent mark of 77 back in July. Two of Yan Durepaire's four exports to the division have been winners and Zoffanien, after fetching €60,000 at the Arqana Deauville Summer Sale, is the most expensive. He is also the most expensive purchase in the division for a trainer who gets winners but has a poor strike rate. After getting in close to the first, Zoffanien was ridden into the second with satisfactory results and from there, he posted a nice round of jumping for a newcomer. Initially held up in midfield, he joined the leaders with three furlongs to race and although he never posed a severe threat on the front pair, he beaten to second by less than three lengths and was nineteen lengths clear of the third. He was fairly keen early on which is fair given his layoff and it did not take too long for him to settle. It was a nice introduction to the discipline and his yard sent Cafe Con Leche to finish third in this race last year. Zoffanien is capable of winning an ordinary contest and while there is no obvious reasons for him to reverse placings with Palm Beach, a strong showing would not be unexpected.

Army Of One bf Gavin Cromwell f5-0-1 DeF GAG 63.5 (47) 67 j1-0-0 (-) 37 34
Kingston Hill (Authorized){2-n}(0.50) 2/1 Aberwind 3rd Handicap Hurdle (122), Compiegne 2020

https://www.racebets.com/en/horse-ra...external/18035

https://www.racebets.com/en/horse-ra...external/18514

Kingston Hill, being a St Leger winning Mastercraftsman out of a half-sister to Lord Jim, has the right attributes to be a useful stallion in the division and it is no surprise that he stands at Castle Hyde Stud. That Army Of One is also out of an Authorized mare makes her an intriguing hurdles recruit on paper. Her best placing in five starts in Germany was a tight second in a Dresden maiden back in June and though difficult to quantify, the RPR of 67 looks a reasonable measure. In Gavin Cromwell, she represents a yard a good record in both the division as a whole, and the listed fillies' race at Aintree where she made her debut three weeks ago. However, she was not strongly fancied in the market beforehand and this lack of confidence was reflected in her jumping as she completely lacked fluency at the hurdles which weren't omitted. The trainer won this race last season but he has not yet been successful with his current crop as he is without a winner from fourteen starts this term. While Army Of One ought not to be written off at this juncture, she still has enough to prove on all known evidence.

Awkwafina bf S Curling f6-0-1 (64) 72
Kyllachy (Muhtathir){1-l}(1.33) 2/1 Lone Ranger 3rd Maiden Hurdle, Wincanton 2013
Awkwafina placed third in a Leopardstown maiden for Jack Davison, and was not disgraced in a soft ground Naas handicap off 69. He changed hands for €8,500 at the Goffs Autumn Online Sale and will be Sam Curling's first juvenile hurdler since Gemara finished unplaced at Down Royal November 2011. Awkwafina's dam is a full-sister to maiden hurdle placed Lone Ranger and is herself, out of a half-sister to Prix Tanerko winner Baguette Magique. However, sire Kyllachy has a lamentable record in the division and since 2008/09, has failed to produce a winning juvenile from twenty-four offspring. Awkwafina's profile is patchy at best and she is not an assured stayer for the discipline.

Dashing Diamond bf Martin Hassett f13-0-4 (62) 69 j1-0-0 (-) 0 0
Excelebration (Raven's Pass){20-d}(7.00) 3/2 Falling Rain 2nd 3YO Hurdle, Fontainebleu 2015
Dashing Diamond had feasible form prospects going into her hurdling debut at Tipperary in October, although she was her trainer's first runner in the sphere and her sire's record with juvenile hurdlers zero wins from forty-five starts. Nevertheless, she was backed as though defeat was out of the question which suggests a good run was expected from the locally trained filly. Unfortunately, her stride was completely wrong approaching the first where she got in way too close and took a rolling fall. Thankfully she emerged unscathed and after a six week break, ran her best flat race to date when a neck second at Dundalk over twelve furlongs. That effort still leaves something to find with the principles here and her overall profile is not particularly encouraging but it will be intriguing to see if the market support at Tipperary is repeated.

Strong prospects
1. Palm Beach
Reasonable prospects
2. Zoffanien
3. Complete Fantasy
4. Star Of Cashel
Feasible prospects
5. Army Of One
6. On Guard
7. Dashing Diamond
Moderate prospects
8. Raamez (R)
9. Saeer (R)
10. Willywampus
11. Call Me Rocky
12. Tintean Fein
Negligible prospects
13. Awkwafina
14. Master Rocco
15. Thekeyisnottopanic
16. Townes
17. Self Assessed
18. Stage Power
19. The Copper Kid

[Kotkijet]

Reserves
Master Rocco chg P C O'Connor f13-0-1 (52) 59
Dawn Approach (Shirocco){14-c}(0.68) 2/2 Mourad 2nd Champion 4YO Hurdle (G1), Punchestown 2009
Last seen finishing a sixteen length ninth of nine in a Chelmsford claimer, but even if forgiving that run, his best effort, a second at the venue in a mile handicap off 56, is still short of the standard required here. Ex-Jane Chapple-Hyam horses have a 28.57% winners to runners rate but the improvement rate is modest and the new trainer has yet to saddle a juvenile hurdler. None of Dawn Approach's juvenile hurdlers have won or improved for the switch between codes, but Shirocco has a 27.78% strike rate as a damsire and the dam's sister produced the top class Mourad.

Saeer chg Gordon Elliott f4-0-1 (63) 65
Australia (Pivotal){6-e}(0.88) 2/1 Persian Warrior 1st Novice Hurdle, Stratford 2009
Saeer achieved only a modest third at Chester in four outings for Sir Michael Stoute and at 9,000 guineas, is one of the more inexpensive juveniles to leave that yard. King's Parade fetched the same amount before winning in 2010 but allowing for inflation, Saeer would be the cheapest such horse to score in the division. Australia has a respectable record in the division and the dam is a half-sister to winning novice hurdler Persian Warrior from the family of Restraint Of Trade (3/1) and Grumeti (4/3).

Raamez chg Gordon Elliott f8-1-0 FrF 36.5 (80.3) 81
Sea The Stars (Nayef){15-a}(1.86) 2/1 Takjreej 4th Selling Hurdle, Stratford 2012

https://www.equidia.fr/chevaux/raamez

Fran?ois Rohaut has been the source of six juvenile hurdlers since 2009, but none of them, including €220,000 purchase Military Bowl, were able to win during their opening campaigns. Raamez, a winner at Nantes last October, sold for roughly a tenth of that price at the Tattersalls Autumn sale but might have attracted more bids but for a recent dip in form. Sea The Stars has a very respectable history as a sire in the division but the damline is considerably less enticing and Nayef is only one winner from ten as a damsire.

[BigChaang]

Great preview Again Kotkijet !! , decide to go with Palm beach here ,