3.05 Leopardstown
Synergy Security Solutions Novice Hurdle (grade 2) (Class
1) (5YO plus)
Winner €25,675
Advice: 1 pt win Boston Bob (9/4 general), 3 pts Boston Bob
w/o Make Your Mark (5/6 Paddy Power)
Boston Bob: Rapidly improved since joining Mullins yard,
winning comfortably on seasonal/hurdling debut before engaging overdrive to win
Navan Novice Hurdle (Grade 1), with three well regarded sorts behind (including
Jetson), two of which have won next time out (second Mount Benbulben was not at
his best but still well held); Has to give 7lbs and upwards here to his next
rivals but then again so deeply impressive on last start he has to be the one
to beat on that form.
Glenstar: Found a good opportunity to break his maiden tag
at the fourth attempt and did so in pleasing style (first time he’d ran this
winter); This a massive step up in class for him and may be more of a handicap
prospect down the line.
Jetson: Broke his maiden after being placed in quite a few
decent ones last year (new yard) but since exposed in Graded company, being
well beaten by Boston Bob in fourth; Since won handicap in impressive style
over 3m and that maybe where his future lies despite being 7lbs better off with
Boston Bob.
Sea Of Thunder: Vastly improved for step up in distance when
set to run out a deeply impressive winner at Cheltenham but for falling at the
last; This a drop down in trip and probably a step up in class for him but
still has to be majorly respected.
Springfield Way: Improved from pretty abysmal first couple
of starts to win bumper at Navan and maiden hurdle at Gowran for Thomas Walsh,
but then well behind Texas Jack and seemed amiss next time out; Good win last
time when giving weight and a beating to Physcho in conditions hurdle but even
that form may need improving on.
Texas Jack: Made a really taking debut when quickening up
well to land valuable Goffs Bumper at Punchestown Festival on debut, and taken
that form to hurdles, 2-2 with the minimum of fuss before disappointing at
Navan last time; Clearly better than that although this again tougher.
Touch Back: Very impressive the last twice, winning weak
race impressively before then coming well clear after the last from subsequent
winner here at Christmas Festival; Step up in trip should really suit him and
fascinating contender here.
Lyreen Legend: Shown rapid improvement this season, behind
the likes of Unaccompanied before winning really impressively against Jenari at
Navan; Easily held against Monksland at Naas and once again faces a similar
task.
Make Your Mark: Winner of point, bumper and maiden hurdle
and as impressive as anyone this season in winning latter, drawing right away
from decent field on the bridle; This a step up in grade but will be well up to
it and bold show expected.
Owega Star: Needed a large weight concession to get the
better of Fully Funded three starts ago and since been well beaten (actually
behind Lyreen Legend latest) and looks safely held based on all formlines.
Spring Heeled: Really promising start to life over hurdles
when getting better of Jenari (who has since proven to be very disappointing)
before being well held there last time out; Others preferred.
Shadow Elie: Ran the progressive Ceol Rua to half a length last
week (giving 3lbs), repeating her easy Septemeber win for the first time since
(proven very disappointing since); Needs much more.
VERDICT: Such is the impression that BOSTON BOB left when
winning at Navan that he gets the vote to defy a 7lbs penalty on better ground
today. Graham Wylie’s charge looked in trouble but was superb when finding
overdrive and has had the form franked since, which makes him all the more
appealing. He must give 10lbs to the equally promising stablemate Make Your
Mark, although we can take advantage of this by backing out choice in the “betting
without” market. Sea Of Thunder, Texas Jack, and Touch Back are all horses who should
be respected and a bold showing from either would not surprise.
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