Deloitte Novice Hurdle 2014

2.15 Leopardstown

Deloitte Novice Hurdle (Grade 1) (Class 1)  (5YO plus)

Winner €52,000

Advice: 2 pts win The Tullow Tank (13/10 Sportingbet)

Azorian: Wide margin winner on hurdling debut but couldn’t quite follow that up, a well-beaten second to Apache Stronghold and Briar Hill, but disappointing at Limerick over Christmas and needs to be right back to best and then some to get involved here.

Quickpic Vic: Has been hit and miss, impressive winner of bumper last March before not really making grade upped in class but looked transformed from hurdling debut to smash opposition in maiden hurdle here in January; Made all from the front and two furlongs extra could see him in better light so interesting despite huge jump in class.

The Tullow Tank: Looks a different horse in second season as novice hurdle, following up smooth Fairyhouse win last March with hard fought victory in Royal Bond Hurdle when strongest at the finish; Revelled in much deeper surface to pummel opposition in 2m Grade 1 here and extra two furlongs should put him even more at home here so going to take all the beating even in tougher race.

Drayoctt Place: Not one you’d give a chance in an ordinary maiden, let alone a race of this quality.

 

King of the Picts: Grade 3 winner at Limerick in the autumn and bounced back from disappointment there next time out when second to the Tullow Tank at Christmas but that by eight lengths and not expected to get any closer here.

Vautour: Twice a runner up in France and Irish debut romp made to look better when runner up won by 14 lengths (has since been well beaten second in Grade 2); Pushed much harder than expected when long odds on for a Punchestown Grade 2 latest although runner up is a good yardstick; Can go well here but more needed again and feeling that he might want better ground.

VERDICT: THE TULLOW TANK’S two Grade 1 wins have come in contrasting conditions but he clearly revelled the heavy ground when romping to victory here at Christmas and the extra two furlongs and deep surface should make him very tough to beat. Vatour and Quickpic Vic could be both be formidable rivals.