2.45 Chepstow
Future Champions Finale Juvenile Hurdle (Grade 1) (Class
1) (3YO only)
Winner £17,939
Brilliant Barca: No more than average on the flat (won once
and got a rating of 68) but already a winner over hurdles, having won on debut
at Wincaton despite making error two out; This a much better race and no soft
ground form so pretty readily passed over.
Captain Sharpe: Testament to his strong attitude that he’s
come no worse than fourth in his seven hurdle runs, although he stands no
chance in this having been smashed out of sight by Hollow Tree last time (and
now far worse off too).
Chadford: Easy hurdling win but brought down to earth when
well behind Secret Edge and Countrywide Flame in admittedly strong event at
Wetherby; Shouldn’t be reversing that form anytime soon and others much
preferred. 
Countrywide Flame: Made a good start to life over hurdles
and followed debut success with coast home at Catterick, before then coming
excellent second in strong looking Listed hurdle at Wetherby, when trying to
give lumps of weight to subsequent winner and Grade 2 third Secret Edge; Not
exactly fluent there and that again the problem when winning easily last time
out; Handles the ground and has form as good as any, but jumping an issue.
Kapga De Cerisy: Didn’t do a huge amount when stepped up in
class in France, finishing 15 and then 19 lengths behind champion juvenile Esmondo
in various events as season went on (shaped like a stayer); Form hasn’t worked
out brilliantly but several recent winners had French connection and trainer is
master at getting best of of these types, so respected nevertheless.
Rasam Aldaar: Well beaten in average looking juvenile events
before beating Malanos in receipt of weight at Sandown latest; Makes little
appeal.
School For Scandal: Responded gamely to pressure on hurdles
debut, having been a good performer for Mark Johnston on the flat; Well behind
Royal Bonsai in Grade 2 however.
Secret Edge: Made more than a few mistakes on debut at
Chepstow when only just losing out late on and major improvement from that led
to him winning Listed juvenile hurdle, when making good use of stamina late on;
Despite good showings last twice, set to be well behind Hollow Tree and
Countrywide Flame.
VERDICT: A race often won by the horse who has the most
stamina despite having unearthed some pretty decent prospects over the years.
The market will give a good guide, although only 2 favourites have won in the
last 10 years. A line through Secret Edge has Countrywide Flame beating HOLLOW
TREE, but Donald McCain’s recruit has jumped better on his three hurdles starts
to date and gets the vote on that basis, although Venetia Williams’s French
recuit Kapaga De Cerisy is one to be noted and may be an each/way price.
No comments:
Post a Comment