5.30 Punchestown
Racing Post Champion Hurdle (Grade 1) (Class 1) (4YO plus)
Winner €120,000
Advice: 1.5 pts win Hurricane Fly (6/5 general)
Hurricane Fly: Winnner of this race for the last four years
and has 20 Grade 1 races to his name, a world record; Now rising 10 but as good
as even until his fourth in the Champion Hurdle where he was five lengths
behind Jezki but possibly not suited by sitting rather closer than usual to what was a very strong pace; With only
that runner to beat in match today (one pacemaker), likely that this will come
down to test of finishing kick like the two Grade 1’s he won so well in winter
at Leopardstown and should make bold bid for revenge. 
Jezki: Top quality novice hurdler who made fairly easy
transition to open age hurdling with Hatton’s Grace Hurdle success but then not
suited by nature of Leopardstown Grade 1 events, unable to pass anyone in the
straight in Irish Champion Hurdle, but blossomed in main event at Cheltenham
when strong gallop and great timing from man on board saw him nose out My Tent
Or Yours; Worthy winner on the day although today’s race likely to be the kind
that he seems to have struggled with this season which is a worry despite pacemaker.
Steps to Freedom: Useful horse in own right but no realistic
chance of overturning the front two on form and here to make a pace for Jezki.
VERDICT: A very disappointing turnout given the spread of
prizemoney but an intriguing rematch between Jezki and HURRICANE FLY from the
Champion Hurdle. Jezki was the better horse that day and a deserved victor but
the likely speed test here saw Hurricane Fly come out a convicting victory
twice in the winter and his clear preference for Punchestown – he has eight out
of nine wins here compared to a 50% strike rate at Cheltenham – is a very
reassuring sign for a potential turnaround.
No comments:
Post a Comment