Tolworth Hurdle 2014

1.35 Kempton

williamhill.com Levy Board Tolworth Hurdle (Grade 1 Novices' Hurdle) (Class 1)  (4YO plus)

Winner £18,224

Advice: 1 pt win Garde La Victoire (11/2 general)

Ante Post: 1 pt each/way The Liquidator (14/1 general), Garde La Victoire (20/1 Stan James), Supreme Novices’ Hurdle

Garde La Victoire: Looked a prospect when winning junior bumper well at Exeter but marked himself down as serious novice when beating Regal Encore and then Gone Too Far in exemplary style at Aintree and Warwick before losing out to Ballyalton when close second at Cheltenham in strong event latest; Might need more again but not impossible that he can find it and if handling soft ground, has to be given a chance.

Josses Hill: Moved for £100,000 after second place to Faugheen at Pucnchestown and since won bumper and maiden hurdle in fine fashion for top yard, much more in control the further he went; Likely that he can come on plenty and has to be taken seriously.

Prince Siefgfried: Flat out disappointment on hurdling debut but much better the last twice, a narrow winner at Huntingdon before solid Grade 2 effort although he was beaten when falling at the last; This track is made for him but others look to have more left to give.

Royal Boy: Wasn’t ready for this when disappointing 3^rd in this when run at Sandown last year and then wretched chasing debut but shown promise that he did when on jumping debut when running out a ready winner at Ascot, although that was over 2m6f; Might be that trip suits more.

The Liquidator: Classs bumper performer, second in Listd event on debut before wide margin Exeter win, Champion Bumper fourth, and then win in Punchestown Grade 1; 2-2 as hurdler, outclassing Carlisle maiden opposition before crushing useful opposition at Cheltenham latest; Far tougher test on plate here but clearly taken bumper form to hurdles and will take some stopping.

Upazo: Disappointment all of last season but won both in fine style this season, deeply impressive in winning maiden and conditions hurdle at Fairyhouse latest when he beat rivals by 10 lengths (left clear at the last, but that one had well established form); Says a lot that Ruby Walsh rides with yard raiding UK on two fronts today but does still need to improve. 

VERDICT: A cracking renewal of the Tolworth with festival potential on show. The decision of Willie Mullins to send Upazo over, with Ruby Walsh riding as the yard sends runners both here and to Warwick, is no small endorsement but both THE LIQUIDATOR and GARDE LA VICTOIRE look at least as promising and our Supreme choices are worth backing here.