4.20 Punchestown
Evening Herald Champion Novice Hurdle (Grade 1) (Class
1) (5YO plus)
Winner €49,600
Pick: Rathlin (win)
Far Away So Close: Ninth in the Supreme Novice’s Hurdle last
year and same result again in this
year’s renewal; Won 2 races earlier this season before not proving up to Grade
1 company, and although he did impress when winning big pot at Aintree latest,
this likely to be too tough.
Hidden Universe: Won 4 out of first 5 starts, his only
defeat coming in the Champion Bumper (won Grade 1 at Punchestown Festival with
relative ease); Made perfect debut but for jumping to his left at Leopardstown
but seemingly put in place when fourth in Deloitte; Made little impact in
Supreme and others preferred.
Il Fenomeno: Has group winning form on the flat in Italy,
and shaped very well over hurdles when fifth behind Rathlin and Prima Vista at
Fairyhouse 10 days ago; Can improve from that but this race might have come a
little soon and better affair anyway.
Rathlin: Easily got the better of rather solid if
unspectacular/untrustworthy yardstick in Sicilian Secret by 4 lengths &
proved even better when running a storming race to be sixth in Supreme Novices
Hurdle; Jumped well there so disappointing that he produced such a poor round
when asked for his effort in Grade 2 at Fairyhouse last time, all but losing
race with horrendous mistakes at last two flights (didn’t help that he was
drawn into prolonged pace battle); Can do better here but quick reappearance.
Shot From The Hip: Majorly impressive on two bumper starts
in winning despite his tendency to pull, but found out on that score at both
the Cheltenham and Punchestown festivals and didn’t impress on his hurdling
debut when well beaten second behind Frisco Depot; Easy winner of maiden hurdle
before very creditable second in Deloitte; Ran a shocker last time though and
this ground or trip not expected to help matters.
Oilily: Been in first two all starts this season, coming
good to good winner in mares Grade 3 at Down Royal in November & topped
that when beating all bar Topolski in Aintree Grade 2; That run as good as any
in field and can be expected to make a bold bid.
Otterstown Lady: Only two wins from six hurdle starts, and
looked very short of toe when well beaten fifth in Mares Championship final
last time (2m4f); More required of her up in class.
VERDICT: RATHLIN was a tired horse due to a prolonged pace
battle when making two costly errors at Fairyhouse 10 days ago. Give him
another chance.
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