Finale Juvenile Hurdle 2011

2.45 Chepstow

Future Champions Finale Juvenile Hurdle (Grade 1) (Class 1)  (3YO only)

Winner £17,939

Advice: 2 pts win Hollow Tree (13/8 general) 

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.