Hatton's Grace Hurdle 2011

1.50 Fairyhouse

Bar One Racing Hatton's Grace Hurdle (Grade 1) (Class 1)  (4YO plus)

Winner €52,000

Advice: 1 pt win Mourad (6/4 general)  

Final Approach: Improved in the reigon of 20lbs to win MCR and County Hurdles last season, before holding his own at Auteil in end of season contests; Should find others too good here though.

Mourad: As consistent as ever last season, winning twice at Grade 2 level over 3 miles after fourth in this race, and 3^rd in staying events at Cheltenham and Punchestown last season (then fourth behind stablemate Thousand Stars in France); Has to give racefitness to Voler La Vedette and The Real Article but classy enough to make a bold bid in any case and stable having an excellent time of things with seasonal debutants.

The Real Article: Gambled on favourite for the Galway Hurdle who was unable to make an impact then but has since gone unbeaten over hurdles, winning pair of Grade 2 events with plenty to spare; Step up in trip and probably class asks a lot of him.

Voler La Vedette: Found only Hurricane Fly and Solwhit too good in this last year before going onto win twice at Grade 2 level; Well behind Mourad at Punchestown Festival last time she tackled three miles but has small weight pull and also race fitness in hand; Closely matched with favourite and has excellent opportunity in theory to win Grade 1.

VERDICT: With the exceptional first two from last year’s renewal gone, this should represent an excellent opportunity for Voler La Vedette to gain a Grade 1 win. She’s got 5 lengths to make up on MOURAD, who can win this off an extended break, much like Thousand Stars did last week.