Williamhill.com Christmas Hurdle 2011

2.35 Kempton

Williamhill.com Christmas Hurdle (Class 1)  (4YO plus)

Winner £37,018

Advice: 1 pt win Binocular (2/1 general)

Binocular: 2010 Champion Hurdle winner who never reached peak when it mattered last year after impressive win in last year’s renewal of this event; Well held once again on seasonal return in Fighting Fifth Hurdle but sure to be much better for that and would be foolish to write off as disappointing, back on one of his favourite tracks.

 Clerk’s Choice: Struggled to earn his mark of 162 (gained when winning conditions hurdle by 21 lengths) despite being fourth in this and then sixth in Champion Hurdle last year; Didn’t seem to have improved a lot for change to new yard when well held seventh in International Hurdle and needs  more here.

Overturn: Has once again improved tenfold this year, winning Grade 2 Ascot Hurdle (left infront at the last) and then coming right away from Binocualr in Fighting Fifth hurdle; Game second in International Hurdle (giving 4lbs to winner) shows how good he’s become;  Gap between him and Binocualr will be much closer today and has to be worry that racing will catch up with him; One of the major players though and will be very hard to pass.

Rock On Ruby: Developed into one of the best novice hurdlers in the UK in just three runs (over the top at Aintree) and deeply impressive return in Gerry Fielden Hurdle, with the second having won by 29 lengths 2 days previously, and the third having won the Ladbroke Hurdle afterwards; Should go well.

Sanctuaire: Romped home in Fred Winter at 2009 festival and while developing quirkiness since, he retains all ability, as shown when he cantered all over Overturn to win the Scottish Champion Hurdle; Trouble is getting him to show that ability and has to be a fear he’ll be outclassed again, as he was in the International Hurdle.

VERDICT: Rock On Ruby’s Gerry Fielden Hurdle win is now looking like the performance of a Grade 1 winner in waiting and it would be no surprise to see him go extremely well here. It may be worth keeping the faith with BINCOULAR, who was deeply impressive when trained to peak for this last season when beating Overturn. The tables have been turned since but there was a clear advantage on fitness terms in Overturn’s favour and that should be reversed this time, which gives him a real puncher’s chance of retaining his title.