Philips Electronics Tara Hurdle 2010

1.50 Navan
Philips Electronics Tara Hurdle (Grade 2) (Class 1) (4YO plus)
Winner €27,30

Pick: Aitmatiov (win)

Aitmatov: Usually runs to quite a useful standard, and looked set to win the Lismullen Hurdle at Navan for second consecutive season when handing victory to Oscar Dan Dan with last-flight fall; Can be forgiven flat run in Hatton’s Grace earlier this week and one to beat if over that.

Clan Tara: Did very well over hurdles, winning Grade 2; Showed promise in only three runs over fences, nearly taking advantage of a round of right handed jumping from Pandorama before being given an overly forceful ride in Grade 3 contest (put that right with authoritative win); Injured since, and going to need this badly.

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 has run miles before form on his last 2.

Made In Taipan: Has struggled to break into the top ranks over fences, although he did come forth in 2 Grade 21 races last year and no shame in being beaten 8 lengths (giving 8lbs) to Glencove Marina here last term; Will need this after 8 months off though.

Maggio: Front runner who is still a maiden over hurdles and is tilting at windmills here.

Stonemaster: Tough, reliable sort who topped off winning twice last season with an excellent fourth to Reve de Sivola in the Champion Novice at the Punchestown Festival; That form gives him excellent chance here if ready to run first time out.

Son Amix: Quickly made up into very useful juvenile last season, winning here by 28 lengths and then coming fourth in Fred Winter at the Cheltenham Festival; Has continued in same vein of form this year, although he was getting massive amount of weight from Shinrock Paddy when second at Naas on first run of season; Good second behind Alivian last time, for all the winner had masses in hand giving him 3lbs.

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; Better chance here.

VERDICT: If AITMATOV can be forgiven his flop in the Hatton’s Grace Hurdle he should be good enough to beat Stonemaster, who is a big threat on excellent fourth to Reve de Sivola in the Champion Novice at the Punchestown Festival, and Son Amix, who shaped like he’d stay this on his seasonal debut.