3.00 Ascot
williamhill.com Handicap Hurdle (Listed) (Class 1) (4YO plus)
Winner £28,135
Advice: 1 pt each/way Kumbeshwar (7/1 general), 1 pt
each/way Via Galiei (16/1 general)
Toploski: Impressed as novice last year, getting better of
useful field at Sandown with ease and then bolting up under big penalty from
subsequent winner at Newton Abbot; Followed that up with Grade 2 win at Aintree
(form behind looks strong) and can make a bold bid although mark of 150 is
tough.
Nearby: Near top class over hurdles, winning Grade 2
handicap with plenty in hand and then coming back to finish close third in
County Hurdle; Not achieved anything close to that form over fences, as he’s
yet to win a race; Race fitness might help his cause but others more
progressive.
Kumbeshwar: Not run a bad race over hurdles, coming second
in two Grade 1 events after hard fought Cheltenham Festival third of lumpy
weight; That form makes him well worthy of a mark of 145 and could be hard to
push out of the frame. 
Third Intention: Showed an abundance of potential and talent
last season but always let down by an inability to settle, which cost him late
on in races; Seventh in Triumph before impressive novice win in calmer waters
at Cheltenham; Big chance here if able to run to form but pulling a massive
worry if he’s too fresh on seasonal debut. 
Brampour: Didn’t quite live up to his potential last season
when disappointing at both festivals, although he’s a bit better off with Third
Intention and Topolski; Probably better than both his runs suggest then and
7lbs claim of Harry Derham nothing but a plus, although he still has a bit to
prove. 
Katies Tuitor: Fit from several 2 mile AW runs at Kempton,
having not run over obstacles for 595 days; Win on the flat proves he retains
some ablity but this might be too stiff a test. 
Drill Sergeant: Decent novice hurdler (two wins last year)
and not disgraced on tough tasks, although never looked up to winning major
event; Went in again at Ffos Las two starts back but no better efforts since.
Via Gailei: Looked a
hose to follow when running riot at Newbury last term, and held his form admirably
in better contests since; Return was a bit of a disappointment considering his
form but he’s got a lot of talent and not hard to see him taking a hand. 
A Media Luz: Very smart filly on flat in France, winning her
first 2 starts before runner up in a Group 3 at Saint Cloud and excellent sixth
in the Prix Vermille; Not quite gotten used to jumping yet (mainly because she’s
not learned how to settled) but she’d have to be able to go close off this mark
if settling this time. 
Harry Tricker: Reached peak with Greatwood Hurdle second in
2009/10 season and did respectably when sent over fences last season, winning
twice; Unplaced on last jumps run and flat figures don’t look too inspiring
either.
Elsafeer: Made it his third win in five starts when getting
the better of tight finish at Kempton in Listed novices event; This quite a
step up but the form of his stable and rider mean he can’t be ignored safely. 
Baracas: Ready winner of competitive novice handicap hurdle but
not won in five starts since and this much tougher; Best left alone until mark
drops.
Takari: Good traveller but infrequent winner – 3 from 27
under rules, the last coming when he was with Willie Mullns in Ireland – and
seems to be too high in the weights.
VERDICT: A race that reads more like a graded handicap. The
form of Tim Vaughan and Richard Johnson means Elsafeer must be considered but if
KUMBESHWAR can continue his form from last season he’s got a big chance of
landing this, so an each/way wager makes sense. Topolski should be there or
thereabouts while a race like this is well within the reach of Third Intention
or A Media Luz if both settle properly. Via Galiei might be a sensible each/way
play with a run under his belt.
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