Newbury Hennessy Meeting 2011 - Q Associates Juvenile Hurdle

1.00 Newbury

Q Associates Juvenile Hurdle (Class 3)  (3YO only)

Winner £5,848

Advice: 2 pts win Ranjaan

Dark And Dangerous: No more than average on the flat (rated 58 at peak) but looked as if he’d make a much better first of things over hurdles when winning well at Sandown first time out, travelling well before asserting; Worry that was a weak contest and penalty here makes him vulnerable looking.

Ardlui: Quickly made up into a useful 3yo on the flat last season, winning maiden by 7 lengths before respectable fourth in big York handicap; Been brought to the right yard to make a big impact when jumping and should go well here.

Frederick William: Maiden on flat and looked poor when seventh of eight, beaten 125 lengths on hurdling debut at Fontwell.

Ranjaan: Decent in France, twice a winner in provinces that form boosted as winner went onto win Listed race next time out); Reportedly schooled well and should go nicely on hurdles debut.

Sporting Boy: Faded tamely on bumper debut when in the firing line in the home straight; One would imagine he’d come on for that a lot fitness and experience wise but this also a far tougher event and watched today.

Urbain De Sivola: Had two decent horses at work when blowing any chance he had with sprawl at the last on debut; That form since been upheld (second Secret Edge third in good event at Chepstow) and should improve, so interesting here.

Ya Hafed: Consistent on the flat, coming worse than fourth on only one occasions, and had his form well franked by Zain Al Boldan (despite being flattered to get so close) afterwards; Interesting recruit although feeling that some will prove quicker than him.

Zouti: Debut for this well bred horse (dam was a listed placed 5.5f-1m1f 2yo winner who went onto win over hurdles) but this is a tough contest to start in and might be looking for a place at best. 

Peira: Class 6 handicap winner (ableit very easily) in the summer and when the; Starts at top yard for jumps debut which is potentially encouraging but much better.

VERDICT: Of those with previous experience over hurdles, Urbain De Sivola could give things a very decent go as he was set to be involved with the finish of a decent looking event when sprawling after the last, while Dark And Dangerous might be vulnerable under a penalty. Ardlui will have his backers but of those who are making their debuts it’s RANJAAN that makes most appeal, with his form in France having stood up well and then his schooling having gone well according to many reports.