Neptune Investment Management Leamington Novices' Hurdle 2011

3.05 Warwick

Neptune Investment Management Leamington Novices' Hurdle (Grade 2) (Class 1)  (5YO plus)

Winner £14,238

Advice: 2 pts win Highland Lodge (11/8 general)

Ambion Wood: Impressive bumper winner who was off the mark over hurdles in good style when winning easily at Chepstow last time out (form since boosted); Worth a shot in this grade and should go well.

Cotton Mill: One of many cross code recruits for new trainer who was useful on Flat for William Jarvis in 2010, and has created favourable impression in landing both hurdling starts and has to be respected given yard’s form.

Fintan: Has made decent reappearance from 2 years off this season, coming third twice before winning maiden hurdle in September; This race should be too good for him.

Highland Lodge: Irish point winner who made impressive start to hurdling when romping home at Exeter and largely the same level of form when beating subsequent winner at Haydock last month; Handled the heavy ground very well that day but won on good to soft at Exeter and looks to be a very smart prospect.

Jumps Road: Highly tried in bumpers after second on debut but taken to hurdling with plenty of aplomb, going well enough when falling two out and when beating useful flat recruit and subsequent winner on debut; This yet tougher for him.

Layla’s Dancer: Creditable second at Bangor after hurdling debut win and set to take at least a big hand when falling at Uttoexeter; Up steeply in trip and class though so much more needed.

Same Difference: Got off the mark over hurdles at the first time of asking and not totally digraced behind very good sorts (under penalty) at Newbury next time (where very soft ground may not have helped him); This yet tougher still but respected.

Castle Confict: Left with easy task after DQ at Towcester (bumped rival close home) when taking maiden at Hereford, which was no surprise given how weak said event was; This should prove too good for him.

VERDICT: Another opportunity to see the promising HIGHLAND LODGE try to take his unbeaten record to 3 over hurdles. Emma Lavelle’s 6 year old has to take on a couple of promising types in Cotton Mill and Ambion Wood but he’s got more left in the tank based on what we’ve seen so far and his form has been boosted since, so he gets the vote.