williamhill.com Dovecote Novices' Hurdle 2012

3.40 Kempton

williamhill.com Dovecote Novices' Hurdle (Grade 2) (Class 1)  (4YO plus)

Winner £12,073

Advice: 4 pts win Grumeti (4/5 general)

 

Crescent Beach: Probably ran into a decent one when second on Hurdle debut at Bangor (it was certainly a career best in his four runs) but this race yet tougher and passed over.

 Keys: Very progressive on flat and in bumpers, winning three from three on the level last year before following up with double in 2m handicaps on flat; Beaten twice over hurdles, although ran into very good sort on hurdling debut and didn’t stay latest; Interesting here dropped in trip.

Nazreef: Seems to be better on the flat than over jumped based on his two poor hurdles runs, and better options available.

Grumeti: Possibly the most impressive performance by a novice this season when he routed all aged field on his debut at Taunton, winning by 14 lengths; Unlucky to fall at Newbury when set to win and while he needed stewards to win at Cheltenham on trials day, feeling is that he went into a very strong pace and jockey that day sure he was cost the race; The one to beat here.

Terre Du Vent: Some of the best flat form in this field based on his Listed win on flat in France and along with his sixth in Group 2 behind Jukebox Jury); Interesting here for yard that has introucded a good one on debut already this season.

Dodging Bullets: Progressive on the flat last summer, ending steady sequence of improvement with good win over Hisaabaat (Grade 1 winner over hurdles of late) on flat when rated 89; Well liked judging by some comments from the Paul Nicholls yard and one to be watched in market.

 

Zarzal: Decent enough flat performer but only a fair middle distance maiden in Ireland and when second to Kaylar (runs in the opening Adonis Juvenile Hurdle) at Lingfield 11 days ago; Needs far more.

VERDICT: Despite “defeat” last time, GRUMETI already sets a high standard on form and he may well be better for being on a flat track, with his yard going through a good spell, and he can take this on his way to the Triumph.  Keys should go well despite being beaten at Ascot last Saturday but the debuts of Dodging Bullets and Terre Du Vent will be very interesting given their best flat form.