toteplacepot Victor Ludorum Juvenile Hurdle

1.40 Haydock
toteplacepot Victor Ludorum Juvenile Hurdle (Class 2) (4YO only)
Winner £6,895

Pick: Houblon Des Obeaux (win)

Houblon Des Obeaux: Had looked exposed based on French efforts but was a fine second in Final Juvenile Hurdle at Chepstow, arguably best juvenile hurdle run this season; Will have no problem with ground and should go very close.

Local Hero: Has done everything asked of him in great style on both starts, dotting up at Catterick before giving weight and a beating to Franklino at Doncaster (easily); Gained biggest success yet when gamely beating Third Intention to win Grade 2 on trials day at Cheltenham despite sloppy jumping; Has every chance here.

Vosges: Has showed plenty of guts when winning at Musselbrugh on his last two runs, the latter names in Triumph Hurdle trial; This once again tougher though and no surprise to see him make real race of it here.

Kumbeshwar: Put up a cracking debut hurdling performance to win at Sandown, given that he made up 12 lengths on useful long time leader from three out, having made mistakes on the way round; Has a good chance if building on that here, although how small field test suit remains to be seen.

Third Intention: Showed impressive attitude for a debutant when landing a good juvenile hurdle at Newbury, beating a subsequent second and winner; Built on that in defeat at Cheltenham, pulling hard early on and only just getting caught by Local Hero; If settling better, has every chance of reversing the form from 3lbs better terms.

VERDICT: An excellent Triumph trial thanks to the appearance of HOBLON DES OBEAUX, whose second behind Marsh Warbler will be fully tested today. The feeling is that it was the best juvenile race run all season. Third Intention, Local Hero, Kumbeshwar and Vosges are all fierce opposition.