2.00 Leopardstown
Woodiesdiy.com Christmas Hurdle (grade 2) (Class 1) (4YO plus)
Winner €26,000
Advice: 2 pts win Mourad (6/4 Ladbrokes)
Karabak: Formerly excellent novice hurdler (second in
Ballymore of 2009) but lost way a little bit since and only win in Grade 2 over
2m4f; Ran as if below form all last season and didn’t pull up any trees when
behind Volder La Vedette on seasonal debut. 
Mourad: As consistent as ever last season, winning twice at
Grade 2 level and 3rd in staying events at Cheltenham and Punchestown last
season (then fourth behind stablemate Thousand Stars in France); Satisfactory
return in Hatton’s Grace when giving race fitness to Volder La Vedette at trip
which might well have been a bit short for him, and better expected here.
Powerstation: Remarkable veteran who brought back some of
the best days when winning the Proudstown handicap hurdle a couple of starts
back; Second in this last year and still capable of putting in a good show, for
all he’s getting on. 
Shakervils: Formerly promising novice chaser who has since
run midfield in two handicap chases at major spring festivals; Had talent to
make it in this sphere but since been moved to different pursuits so passed
over; Stable second string if running. 
Voler La Vedette: Gained a hugely deserved first Grade 1
when running out ready winner of Hatton’s Grace, with 3 and ¾ lengths to spare
over Mourad; 2lbd worse off, new trip, and doesn’t have race – fitness to hand
so things will be much tougher, but worthy of major respect anyway and should
run a big race.
Dare To Doubt: First win since all the way success in Grade
2 when taking advantage of lenient handicap mark to land mares handicap hurdle
at Fairyhouse; Shapes as if 2m4f would be no problem but 3m unknown and this a
stepp step up in class.
VERDICT: It was great to see Voler La Vedette finally land a
Grade 1 last time and she has a good opportunity to land yet another prize.
Everything dropped right for her that day though and she’ll find it much harder
to beat MOURAD at three miles again, and off 2lbs worse terms.
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