Adonis Hurdle 2013

2.05 Kempton

Racing UK Subscribe For Cheltenham Adonis Juvenile Hurdle (Grade 2) (Class 1)  (4YO only)

Winner £15,661

Advice: 1 pt win Irish Saint (6/4 general)

Chris Pea Green: Three from three on turf, looking like exciting prospect in making opposition look ordinary at Huntingdon and Lingfield settling matters with bright burst of acceleration after the bend; Potentially has more to give and respected, although this  is much tougher race here.

Irish Saint: Hinted at high level of ability when running out easy listed winner for Guy Cherel before winning with more than plenty in hands to win here on debut by 15 lengths; Outsped by Rolling Star (stablemate of Vasco Du Ronceray) in latter stages of Cheltenham Grade 2 but drew 32 lengths clear of runner up and should take the beating here.

Foster’s Road: Scored on first and fifth hurdling attempts but flattered slightly to do so and long way below standard required based on hoe struggled in Cheltenham Grade 2.

Vasco Du Ronceray: Got up in the last strides to make it third time lucky in France and showed far more talent when strolling from start to finish in weak Hereford maiden hurdle; Exuberance didn’t let him down on that occasion but has since cost him twice in better company, that and testing ground leaving him as sitting duck to Far West at Cheltenham and then costing him when below par third in Doncaster Grade 2; Needs to improve but this test of speed should bring out best in him if settled.

Courtesy Call: Won four times for Mark Johnston last year, well beaten on sole start on worse than good; Entered in Triumph, but this a demanding hurdles debut.

L’Unique: Built on promising Auteil debut in style when deeply impressive in Fillies’ Listed contest at Aintree and easy winner here of weak C&D race; Better class of rival here but not tested yet and just her yard demands respect; Should go well.

Shardapour: Not good enough on all known evidence so far.

VERDICT: Traditionally the strongest trial for the Triumph by far, but this year’s edition doesn't look quite as good even if it’s of a more than respectable standard. Good ground and a flat track should suit Vasco Du Ronceray down to the ground, but an unwillingness to settle has cost him twice so far and in IRISH SAINT he faces a very decent rival who sets a high standard for him and L’Unique to pass, assuming he doesn’t find the change in track and ground too much, having looked every inch a stayer on trials day at Cheltenham.