Royal Bond Novice Hurdle 2013

12.40 Fairyhouse

Bar One Racing Royal Bond Novice Hurdle (grade 1) (Class 1)  (4YO plus)

Winner €48,750

Advice: 1 pt win Alonso (9/2 general), 1 pt place Alonso (5/6 Paddy Power)

Gilt Shadow: Looked a very smart type on Down Royal debut and made amends for Navan disappointment with second to the Liquidator at Punchestown festival (form boosted since by that one’s two wide margin wins over hurdles and Apache Stronghold); Commanding win at Down Royal on debut should set him up well for this and one of many to be respected despite looking likely to be suited by further.

Somethingwonderful: Hard to make a strong case for him based on his well beaten third in novice event at Fairyhouse.

The Tullow Tank: Didn’t make much of an impression last year at big pries but looked extremely smart when making mincemeat of stablemate over C&D with strong finish in bumper (has since won) and did well to win on hurdling debut after meeting plenty of congestion in run to the line; Another who would definitely appreciate further but improvement surely coming and definitely one to consider.

Alonso: Useful enough on flat in France, third in decent 12f handicap (heavy) and was definitely getting the better of the argument when left clear to win by 23 lengths at Wexford over 2m4f; This obviously on a completely different level and dropped down half a mile in trip but the second gave a massive compliment when winning since, respected as Walsh choice of three from Mullins yard and could be any amount of improvement; Can go well.

Arctic Fire; Sprung a surprise when dominant winner in Provinces last October and a very taking winner on Tipperary debut; Couldn’t have predicted how he’d have finished when he slipped up at Gowran latest and this a far tougher race; Percentage call to avoid despite him looking a decent type.

Minella Foru: Couldn’t have been less flattered by his winning margin on Listowel debut and then quickened best to get better of errant Very Wood in Navan Grade 3; Looks to have the speed edge over a few here but going right handed here sure to suit runner up and not sure to confirm form.

Mr Fiftyone: No shame in being beaten by Diakali (goes in Hatton’s Grace) latest after dominant maiden hurdle win at Fairyhouse and going the right way still but not sure this any easier and others make more appeal.

Renneti: Won twice on the flat in France over middle distances and put that speed to good use when hacking up at Downpatrick (2m2f) on hurdling debut; Way that he put race to bed off moderate gallop was taking and deserving of respect for all that race has worked out awfully and this a totally different set of circumstances; Respected but others preferred.

Very Wood: Needs further than thus already after being outsped by Minella Foru at Navan last time after impressive bumper and maiden hurdle wins, gaining more credit in defeat given how badly right handed he jumped; Going this way round a big advantage for him and must be respected even if he’d have wanted softer ground.

Gambling Girl: Looks extremely progressive based on deeply impressive pair of hurdles wins, including when spread-eagling her field in Mares’ novice hurdle; This a far stiffer test but serious turn of foot gives her definite edge in race with plenty of staying types and comes into reckoning.

VERDICT: One of the best cards this side of Christmas, run on ground that’s more than quick enough for this time of year given previous seasons. A quality race where nearly all of the field can be given a serious chance and one that should go a long way towards establishing the novice pecking order. ALONSO might be the answer, with Ruby Walsh’s charge looking to get on top before being left 23 lengths clear of a subsequent winner at Wexford. If the pace Is strong then the drop back half a mile shouldn’t bother him and he can fulfill the promise he showed. Next best might be Gilt Shadow, even with his amateur’s claim redundant in this Grade 1, and Very Wood, going back right handed, in a race chock a block with potential winner.