Racing Post Novice Hurdle 2013

2.55 Leopardstown

Racing Post Novice Chase (grade 1) (Class 1)  (4YO plus)

Winner €55,250

Art of Logistics: Taken to fences perfectly and looked as if he’d hit much bigger heights over biggest obstacles when a convincing winner  Buck House Novice Chase at Punchestown when front running suited him a lot more than tracking pace; Ran flat in Drinmore however and while he’s better than that he needs to find much more to get involved today.

Champagne Fever: Top class bumper horse and just as good a novice hurdler, winning Deloitte and what now looks like a very strong Supreme Novice Hurdle (over the top afterwards); Only the one run over fences but jumped with aplomb at Punchestown and is going to be very tough to beat.

Defy Logic: Big engine on this front runner who was too good for Naas beginners chase opposition but no match for very useful Felix Yonger at Punchestown when he struggled to settle; Capable of putting it well upto Champagne Fever but lot of front runners on so stamina could once again be tested.

Road to Riches: unbeaten in three rules starts since impressive PTP win last may, comfortably taking 3m Grade 3 at Punchestown despite making mess of last, but then a blowout at both spring festivals (only try on decent ground at Aintree); Third to Don Cossack in Drinmore and now dropped rapidly in trip for one who has won over 3m.

Ted Veale: County Hurdle winner who was quickly and well beaten in Cheltenham Grade 2 but that his first run over fences and also first run of the season; Has the talent to go well here and with a few front runners he should enjoy a strong pace to aim at, so interesting.

Trifolium: Looked to be a new horse for a wind operation when making light of absence of nearly a year at Thurles in November, but roasted by Felix Yonger at Navan from two out after going well early; Talented but this keen going type has a lot to prove after that and competition for the lead.  

VERDICT: CHAMPAGNE FEVER can cement his position as Arkle favourite, with his strong stamina sure to help in what’s going to be a very well run race thanks to front runners Defy Logic and Trifolium being present along with Art of Logistics. This may play into the hands of Ted Veale who is interesting at a fairly big price.