3.05 Cheltenham
Neptune Investment Management Novices' Hurdle (Registered As The Classic Novices' Hurdle) (Grade 2) (Class 1) (4YO plus)
Winner £14,252
Pick: Backspin (win)
Astracad: Has impressed deeply in winning three of last 4 handicap hurdles but handicapper may have overreacted to his decisive win of an open but relatively modest handicap, an impression confirmed when he was eighth in the Greatwood; Well beaten on last 2 starts.
Backspin: Followed up an impressive Irish Bumper win with equally impressive hurdling debut, going away on the bridle from three decent novices; Proved himself top class when winning the Challow by 8 lengths on his last run and that form only bettered with subsequent win from Court In Motion (who won a Grade 2 by 21 lengths); Serious prospect.
Bobs Worth: Taken a big step forward with every single run under rules, and bettered form and probably performance of his nine length debut win when coming home with relative ease over course and distance; Apparently going to be kept under wraps afterwards but sign that he’s highly regarded in fact that he runs here so taken very seriously.
Champion Court: Only had two runs for current yard but has already taken a Grade 2 hurdle here, some achievement considering it was his only his hurdles debut; Form of that race may not have been set alight (although the second ran a cracker behind a classy sort at Kempton) and while he has more on his plate here, he’s got more to give.
Rock On Ruby: Very progressive three time bumper winner who fairly slammed a useful field first time out over hurdles at Newbury, leading into and out of the mist (Grade 1 second Megastar beaten 6 lengths, and a previous 15 length winner well back in third); Should like this new trip and big player here.
Drive Time: Unbeaten on the flat for Jim Bolger (was ahead of Blackstairmounatin on the flat, and also Red Rock Canyon); Made a very stylish hurdles debut at Doncaster and high class prospect.
Habbie Simpson: Won first 2 over hurdles by wide margins before good third to Bobs Worth over this course and distance last time; Meets on 4lbs better terms so shouldn’t be far away and no surprise to see a big show.
Brunswick Gold: Made a perfectly sound hurdling debut when chasing home Drive Time at Doncaster recently and has the benefit of being 4lbs better off with the winner; Should improve and while not disrespected, has it all to do.
Ohio Gold: Has run well on all four hurdles starts, especially when running on hard after being squeezed up before the last on his most previous start; Still has a lot to do to be involved in the finish here.
Sivola De Sivola: Well clear of the rest when runner-up in 2m Huntingdon novice hurdle 2 weeks ago; Step up in trip finds.
VERDICT: Habbie Simpson, Champion Court, Bobs Worth and Rock On Ruby are all fascinating prospects but BACKSPIN showed serious class when bolting up in the Challow Hurdle last time and the form has already been franked. Drive Time could well be one to watch with the future in mind.
No comments:
Post a Comment