2.10 Punchestown
Ladbrokes.com Morgiana Hurdle (grade 1) (Class 1) (4YO plus)
Winner €48,000
Advice: 2 pts win Thousand Stars (2/1 Hills)
Oscars Well: Made up into one of top novices of last season,
completing Grade 1 double with ease before running huge race at Cheltenham
(looked set to thrown down challenge before stumbling badly on landing); Shaped
well enough behind improving horse in Grade 2 at Down Royal on seasonal debut
and should make a bold bid here. 
Pittoni: Very good novice 2 years ago (unbeaten inc Grade 1 at
Leopardstown before coming back “clinically abnormal” when beaten in Grade 2,
and then unplaced in Triumph); Deeply impressive when beating Donnas Palm by 12
lengths but faces two top class sorts here and this will be much, much tougher.
Thousand Stars: Has been a revelation over past two seasons,
filling the frame in plenty of Grade 1’s last season (best effort when only failing
to catch Oscar Whiskey in Aintree Hurdle) and finally got a Grade 1 of his very
own when winning the French Champion Hurdle; More than enough speed/stamina for
this and should go well.
Akatara: Outclassed.
VERDICT: Many will be disappointed that Hurricane Fly isn’t here,
although we do have a fascinating three way go (it will be a major disappointment
if Akatar isn’t dropped off easily). Pittoni’s favouritism is entirely based on
his last start when beating Donnas Palm with ease and he’s readily taken on
here. Oscars Well shaped encouragingly on his comeback at Down Royal and is
worth supporting but THOUSAND STARS will present a huge challenge for him and
is taken to gain a well deserved second Grade 1 here.
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