John Smith's Hurdle 2011

2.45 Wetherby

John Smith's Hurdle (Registered As The West Yorkshire Hurdle) (Grade 2) (Class 1)  (4YO plus)

Winner £18,224

Advice: 1 pt win What A Friend (4/1 Coral)

Fair Along: Much loved stalwart of this who’s aiming for a hat – trick, having run field ragged from the front in last two renewals; The talent’s still there (he wasn’t going down without a fight when falling at Punchestown) and he should make a bold bid.

Carlito Brigante: Has continued steady progression he showed as a 4 year old from last season by winning valuable Haydock event and then making light work of a mark of 142 when left clear at last in Coral Cup; Confirmed merit of that when travelling well in Liverpool Hurdle before being left well behind and then when third in the Punchchestown equivalent; That form should see him going very close.

Russian War: One of many horses from his table to have continued success travelling over from Ireland, winning the Silver Cross handicap hurdle and following that up with another win; Not won since though and definite improvement needed to match it up with the best of these.

Ashkazar: Blows hot and cold but when he’s on form he’s got more than enough talent to go with the best of them, as shown by his impressive handicap hurdle win at Cheltenham before world hurdle blowout; What form he’s in is impossible to predict though and this a tough test even if so.

Cantlow: Improved plenty over hurdles in just three runs last season, finishing off with a Grade 1 second at Aintree; That form a little open to question (many horses below their best) but you can’t deny his scope for progression and is of interest.

Mobaasher: Third in the Cleeve Hurdle behind Grand Crus but that a well beaten fourth and no runs since suggests he’ll be placing in this price.

Restless Harry: Held his head high last season again, placing in 2 Grade 1’s in a long season; This should suit perfectly (going from front) and no reason why he shouldn’t go close.

What A Friend: Seen by many as a Gold Cup contender after wins in Lexus Chase and Totesport Bowl 2 seasons ago; Didn’t get back to that level although not without his excuses; No reason why he can’t go very close if running back to his best over hurdles and return of Ruby Walsh to the saddle a bonus.

VERDICT: Impossible to resist WHAT A FRIEND at the race weights, with Ruby Walsh riding for the first time since his Totesport Bowl win, and him having had excuses for his two poor showings last season.  Restless Harry, Carlito Brigante, and hat – trick seeker Fair Along should all run big races too, with Ashkzar a threat if he joins the party in a smashing event.