Spring Juvenile Hurdle 2013

1.15 Leopardstown

Spring Juvenile Hurdle (Grade 1) (Class 1)  (4YO only)

Winner €45,500

Blood Cotil: Showed promise in France (two starts on flat and two over jumps) despite very headstrong tendencies, which were restrained in Ireland before his deeply impressive maiden hurdle win; Achieved far more when winning Grade 2 here over Christmas and can go well here for all that a line through Stocktons Wing puts him closely with Our Conor.

Dalasiri: Landed a big gamble at Cork after showing little first time over hurdles, and then a head second to Dogora at Gowran; Might have more to give but others make more appeal.

Dikali: Most visually impressive of any here, with two victories from the front coming by 12 and 28 lengths at Gowran and Punchestown; Both of those small field events, but Flaxen Flare came with strong maiden hurdle form and he was well beat; Should go well even if this is far harder.

Flaxen Flare: Travelled well and found so much more when winning maiden hurdle here but put in his place when well beaten second to Dialkali there

King’s Wharf: Up against it here.

Our Conor: Smart flat horse (rated 84) who has been impressive over hurdles with two easy wins so far, notably when showing impressive turn of foot in Grade 3 event at Fairyhouse on Hattons’s Grace weekend;

Ruacana: Became just one of many from his yard to make impressive start to hurdling, winning well at Cattrick and staying on well to land Chepstow Grade 1; Fortunate to do so, but needs more here.

VERDICT: DIAKALI has shown most and is taken to cement his Triumph claims with victory over Our Conor and Blood Cotil.