Cleeve Hurdle 2014

3.35 Cheltenham

galliardhomes.com Cleeve Hurdle (Grade 2) (Class 1)  (5YO plus)

Winner £34,170

Advice: 1 pt win Boston Bob (7/2 general)

Big Bucks’: The undisputed class horse in this field, having won four World Hurdles on the trot and gone 18 races unbeaten since switching to hurdles following Hennessey fall; Looked set to retain his title when wiping the floor with Reve De Sivola but tendon injury kept him off track for 420 days since; If back at his best, should win and win well, but no guaranteed.

Reve De Sivola: Solid hurdler who revels in soft ground, fourth in last year’s World Hurdle; Beat Oscar Whisky with pure stamina when landing this last year and still has ability to put in a top performer, as shown when he landed land Grand Prix D’Automne at Auteil, having been outpaced before flying home to mug Lord Presitge and Gemix; Beaten long way at Newbury when At Fishers Cross but right back to form when landing in reality, what was a pretty weak Long Walk Hurdle with At Fishers Cross again disappointing; Should go well here though.

At Fishers Cross: Was the rising start of the staying scene after 6 wins on the bounce including Cheltenham/Aintree double but disappointed twice this season, looking awkward before he ended his race with massive mistake at Newbury, and beaten by Reve De Sivola before he fell badly at the last in Long Walk; Hard to trust here.

Boston Bob: Only defeat over hurdles came over this C&D in Albert Bartlett and would have had at least as successful a novice season had he stayed up at Cheltenham and Punchestown festivals (set to play a big part both times); Return to hurdles Punchestown was very encouraging given that it came over 2m4f (albeit he beat very little) and step upto 3 miles should bring out best in him along with improvement for first appearance of season; Interesting contender here.

 

Knockara Beau: Looks out of his depth here, well held fourth in this last year.

 

Quarts De Thaix: Back to something like his best when second in C&D handicap latest but that a good level below what he would need to get involved here and others make much more appeal.

VERDICT: An interesting enough race without Big Bucks’ return from a tendon injury for a start, the feature story of the day for many. If he’s at his best then he should win well, but that has to be taken on trust and BOSTON BOB might be best placed to take advantage ahead of Reve De Sivola.