Synergy Security Solutions Novice Hurdle 2012

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.