Betfair Hurdle 2011

12.15 Haydock

Betfair Hurdle (Class 2)  (4YO only)

Winner £25,024

Advice: 3 pts win Grandouet (evs Ladbrokes)

Grandouet: Made up into top juvenile hurdler last season, winning three times but most impressively when romping away with Punchestown Grade 1 (no more than he deserved after excellent efforts in the Triumph and at Aintree); Cantering once again when falling behind Celestial Halo and should take the beating with that behind him.

Marsh Warbler: Made an excellent start to life over hurdles, upsetting some big reputations when landing the Grade One Finale Hurdle on soft ground at Chepstow (form worked out fairly decently); Supreme Novices Hurdle too good for him but can do better in time, although he’d probably want some rain.

 

Domataline: Failed to go on from deeply impressive 25 length win at Chepstow last season, although he was going very well when falling behind Grandouet at Newbury; Nice win on debut this season although that six-runner 4yo handicap at Chepstow lacked strength in depth and more needed here despite getting 8lbs from top two.

First Fandango: Won first two juvenile races, and both useful contests at Ffos Las and Ayr respectably, but well held in Triumph Hurdle and looks better up in trip following a strong win over 2m4f at Leicester on Monday.

No Planning: Impressed when showing good attitude to make perfect start over start over hurdles at Wetherby (2m) last month; Probably has a big future ahead of him but that form let down severely at Ascot earlier today.

Rigidity: Brought high class flat form to this sphere from his days with Henry Cecil and looked as if he was ready to go a long way when bolting up on hurdles debut for Edward O’Grady; Not gone on since and treated for stomach ulcers since last seen.

VERDICT: GRANDOUET was one of the best juvenile hurdlers of last season and was going like a clsss act when coming down two out in the Elite Hurdle at Wincaton. He can give 8lbs and a beating to Domatline, who did look good albeit in weak company when last seen at Chepstow, while Marsh Warbler would have a chance at his best, especially if the rain came for him.