1.50 Cheltenham
Cheltenham Collection Sharp Novices' Hurdle (Grade 2) (Class 1) (4YO plus)
Winner £14,252
Ballyadam Brook: Had made very good impression in Irish scene over last summer with wins at Killarney, Galway and Listowel and ran well giving over a stone to progressive mare Oiliy; This is even tougher though, despite the fact he’s off level weights.
Cue Card: Won easily on debut and then ran away with Cheltenham Bumper last year, pulling clear of Grade 2 winner Al Ferof and useful field with ease; Form been boosted by Dare Me, Megastar, Made In Time, Hidden Universe and Dunraven Storm (reopposes); Made a perfect debut over hurdles when jumping with fluency over 2m4f at Aintree and looks set for big things, so one to beat here.
Dunraven Storm: Only defeat in 5 came in the Champion Bumper last season which can be easily forgiven seeing as it was his second run; Has been unbeaten since, taking novice hurdle at Exeter by 11 lengths and then winning very strong event at Ascot in good style last time; Major player.
Far Away So Close: Ninth in the Supreme Novice’s Hurdle last year but most of the also rans in that race were quite flattered to be where they ended up; Has won his last 2 races and showed grit to get better off decent rival last time but this is much tougher.
King Of The Realm: Made decent impression when winning 2 of 3 bumper starts last season, but easily career best when beating useful enough yardstick in Fulin on first meeting of the season; Should go well again.
Masaka Pony: Really found his feet with aplomb this season, improving again to win handicaps at Sedgefield and Wetherby on last 2 runs; This a much better race though and possibly well placed to win on both occasions.
Owen Glendower: Won once over bumpers but has improved a good deal over hurdles, coming in easily under a penalty at Stratford last time; Will come on again although this is a very steep rise in grade.
Valid Point: Looks to be biting off more than he can chew after cutting little ice in 3 runs over hurdles.
VERDICT: A race more to watch and enjoy, and a very good pointer for the season ahead, with useful novice chaser Loosen My Load having won last year and I’msingingtheblues having taken a recent renewal. Another decent field comes here today. Champion Bumper winner CUE CARD is very short but he did nothing wrong at his hurdles on his debut and should take all the beating today, although expect Dunraven Storm to thrown down a strong challenge. Owen Glendower, and Ballyadam Brook are good enough but King Of The Night may be the biggest threat; He was unextended to beat Fulin by 9 lengths on the opening day of the season.
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