2.00 Leopardstown
woodiesdiy.com Christmas Hurdle (Grade 2) (Class 1) (4YO plus)
Winner €29,25
Pick: Mourad (win)
Oscar Dan Dan: Made hay last season, his biggest moment coming when the Hatton’s Grace last year, although he also ran Powerstation very close under hefty penalty in this last year; Did win Lismullen Hurdle first time out but gifted race by fall of Atitimatov, so sometime to prove although he’s weighted to turn around form convincingly with last year’s winner Powerstation.
Shinrock Paddy: Possibly underrated given his high strike rate, having won 5 out his 7 starts including a Grade 1 Novice Hurdle; Disappointed afterwards at Cheltenham but that race no better than a write off and showed all ability remained when winning Tipper Road Hurdle at Naas and should go well here.
Powerstation: Classy and consistent staying hurdler who had golden moment last year when winning this last year and was third in World Hurdle afterwards; Hasn’t been in same form since and maybe age finally catching up with him.
Rigor Back Bob: Was very progressive over hurdles last term, winning 5 times including 3m Grade 3 at Punchestown in April; Looked set for much of the same this season after easy win on reappearance but had run miles below form before winning the Tara Hurdle, so not the most reliable pick for all the second’s a good yardstick.
Mossey Joe: Wide-margin winner of both points and created deep impression when continuing his effortless rise through racing's ranks in the Cork Stayers Novices' Hurdle last time; Well worth the step up in trip and should hold his own here.
Mourad: Ever consistent and never out of the first 4 last season running might race when winning Grade 3 by 13 lengths before running third in the World Series Hurdle; Ran a stormer when fourth in the Hatton’s Grace last time and should be very hard to beat.
Rick: Emphatic winner of Leopardstown maiden in January and beat Irish National runner-up Oscar Time at Thurles on reappearance; This likely to be too tough for him.
Summit Meeting: Held form very well over hurdles last season winning at Punchestown and Fairyhouse before coming fourth in Neptune Investment’s at Cheltenham; Did not run anywhere near that level of form (first time out) and poor effort again when last in Hatton’s Grace.
Alpine Glade: Has been transformed for switch to this yard, coming third behind Tarla on Grade 3 event at Punchestown Festival on debut an following up with easy wins in a minor event and handicap at Killarney; Travelled like winner in Tara Hurdle but flattened out and this tougher.
Garrai Ard: Been off for 500 days; Need this too much.
Moskova: Prolific winner of Mares Chases at Grade 3 level, and is useful over hurdles too, but well held on most form over hurdles.
VERDICT: Mossey Joe will be fancied to maintain his unbeaten record today in a strong contest, but MOURAD is the standout choice on a number of efforts and returned in fantastic style when fourth to Hurricane Fly and Solwhit among others at Fairyhouse on his seasonal reappearance. Shinrock Paddy rates best of the rest.
OK he won for me last time but some luck involved.... If this is not Oscar Dan Dan race where he just has to stay through em at whatever pace he deigns to run like Pandorama I give up!
ReplyDeleteTBF I have no idea on this race. OscarDD's form hints at deep stamina but 2 races suggest he does not have one. Mossey is what? We can only guess. Mourad has it in book.
ReplyDelete