6.05 Punchestown
Tattersalls Ireland Champion Novice Hurdle (Grade 1) (Class
1) (4YO plus)
Winner €55,800
Apache Stronghold: Third in Champion Bumper but looked as if
he would be instantly better over hurdles when smashing field in Monksfield
novice hurdle in late November; Since been hampered with physical issues and
never going a yard last time behind Lieutenant Colonel; That however his first
run in months and on ground he clearly doesn’t care for, and no surprise to see
much better here. 
Lac Fontana: Big disappointment at Cheltenham back in
November but made amends in fine style when landing handicap there and then
came with late charge to claim County Hurdle at the Festival; Progression
continued when landing Mersey Novices’ Hurdle with late charge at Aintree and
if in same form, can run respectable race although this a stiffer test yet. 
Lieutenant Colonel: Well behind Vatour on hurdling debut but
franked his form in fine style next time out; Disappointment in Febuary but
Neptune sixth a fair effort and then trashed week’s earlier winner Le Vent
A’ntan (unfit Apache Stronghold behind) in Fairyhouse Grade 2; Worry that he
wants it softer but should Vatour fail to show up he looks amongst most likely
to pick up pieces. 
Noble Emperor: Unfancied on debut but ran out a very ready
winner and backed that up on hurdling debut early last month, making short work
of field despite less than perfect jumping; Totally different task on his plate
but big future ahead of him.
Vautour: Looked very smart when smashing Lieutenant Colonel
at Navan on debut and deep ground forced to work harder than odds suggested
over 2 miles here in January, but impressive in the Deloitte Novice Hurdle
going from the front and phenomenal when using same approach in Supreme Novices
at Cheltenham, kicking clear after the last and trashing Grade 1 second (since
won Grade 2) by 6 lengths (could have been any distance); Step upto this trip
should suit and if running to form, could spread-eagle this field here.
VERDICT: A small but very high quality turnout although if
VATOUR is on his best form then all are likely to be playing for second.
Stablemate Faugheen impressed many with one of the most impressive wins of the
season on Tuesday but Vatour slammed better horses than he beat there in style
at Cheltenham and should have little trouble winning well here.
No comments:
Post a Comment