Istabraq Festival Hurdle 2011

1.55 Leopardstown

Istabraq Festival Hurdle (grade 1) (Class 1)  (4YO plus)

Winner €55,250

Advice: 4 pts win Thousand Stars (5/4 general)

Gimli’s Rock: Very versatile sort, having won a Premier Handicap on the flat and Down Royal Grade 2, although that well over a year ago now; Needs to find 20lbs to be winning this on official ratings and others readily preferred.

Luska Lad: Super consistent last year when second in this being the highlight of his efforts; Ran well on many occasions since and quite well in with The Real Article on latest meeting; More than that needed here though.

Moon Dice: Made big improvement for drop to this trip in summer, winning ordinary handicap with ease before then making short work of Galway Hurdle field (form been boosted by The Real Article back in fourth since); Strong case can be made for him baced on fact that he’s technically well in with the Real Article and Greatwood form looks strong; Interesting.

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 The Real Article on seasonal reappearance but slammed with ease behind Thousand Stars in Morgiana and hard to see him overturning that form.

The Real Article: Gambled on favourite for the Galway Hurdle who was unable to make an impact then; Porgressed well over hurdles, winning pair of Grade 2 events with plenty to spare; Seemed well held on first step upto to Grade 1 company when third in Hatton’s Grace and same outcome probably likely here.

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; Followed that up with superb display in the Morgiana Hurdle when front running and has a massive chance if improving from that. 

Voler La Vedette: Ran here yesterday and ran out an impressive winner of 3m Grade 2 Hurdle; Surprise if she reappears again.

Unaccompanied: Impressive wins on first two starts before Triumph second/Punchestown disappointment (over the top); Impressive reappearance win showed she’s in good form and rated a big contender here.

VERDICT: THOUSAND STARS is taking his well-deserved opportunity to shine with two wins in two starts, and a third Grade 1 is well within his grasp based on his deeply impressive reappearance win in the Morgiana Hurdle in November. If he improves from that, Unacccompanied, The Real Article, and Oscars Well will all have a mountain to climb.