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Probably not as strong an entry as in recent years. Both Aitmatov and Sweet Kiln will both be hard to beat again after last years thrilling finish.
Muirhead had a big reputation heading into Cheltenham last year but things didn’t go to plan for him in the lead up to the race. It was interesting to hear Noel say on ATR today that he regrets running him.
Seems they intend to keep Kazal over hurdles now following his short lived chasing career. Definitely the right call in my opinion. Doesn’t have an awful lot to find with Kasbah Bliss and Inglis Drever on Cheltenham form last year.
Today’s Lismullen Hurdle (1:55) at Navan should provide some good clues for the Hattons Grace with Kazal, Catch Me, Aitmatov, Sweet Kiln, Liskennett, Hardy Eustace and Give It Time taking each other on. Would imagine most of these horses will be using this as a prep for the Fairyhouse race.
http://www.racingpost.co.uk/horses/card.sd?r_date=2008-11-30&race_id=468465&card_choice=colour
The feature on Sunday could see Hardy and Brave Inca clashing yet again. Catch Me put in a good performance in the Lismullen and will probably go off favourite. Aitmatov and Sweet Kiln fought out a thrilling finish last year, but both were disappointing at Navan even though Aitmatov would’ve needed the run. Noel could also run Muirhead who won the Royal Bond on this card last year. He compared the horse very favourably to Jered a few weeks ago so he could be a fascinating runner stepping up in trip.
Early prices courtesy of Paddy Power…
Hardy Eustace 9-4
Catch Me 5-2
Kazal 7-2
Aitmatov 7-1
Brave Inca 7-1
Muirhead 10-1
Sweet Kiln 14-1
Convincing 66-1Is it just me or does Brave Inca look slightly big at 7’s here?
I’d have to back Kazal despite his previous run, would have the best form of these, think Hardy was flattered at Punchestown and is past his best.
JohnJ.
I don’t really see why any of those behind Catch Me the last day have big claims to turn it around. He has excellent form on soft ground and must take all the beating, but 9/4 doesn’t get my juices flowing. Hardy Eustace would be the danger for me after his lazarus-like return to the big time at Punchestown…
I would love to see Hardy Eustace win this but he only won last time because Sizing Europe stopped.
Catch Me looks nailed on here in my book and a very good bet around 7/4.
I can’t see him doing the same thing to let Hardy Eustace do that, when speed takes over this one will keep going.
Catch Me is a proper mudlark in my book, anything firmer than genuine soft ground would see me opposing him, soft or softer would see me backing him.
Lets hope i get an accurate going description.
Peruvian Chief if it’s any better than soft here on Sunday I’ll kiss Fists on both cheeks- even if it doesn’t rain between now and then the whole country is waterlogged.
Been having a good look at this and if Hardy Eustace performs as he should, he wins.
I can’t make a good enough case for any of the rest.
It’s the logical bet, right?
Soft (soft to heavy in places) is the advanced going description at the moment Peruvian so Catch Me should be fine. He’s a worthy favourite in my opinion and I see no reason why any of the horses in behind him at Navan should turn the form around. I’m not sure that he definitely needs soft ground to show his form either. It was quick ground at Punchestown when he fell at the last, when upsides Glencove Marina in a grade 1 novice at the festival a few years back.
If the dead 8 do go to post, then the 10/1 about Muirhead could be a decent e/w bet. Step up in trip should suit and he goes in the ground. He wasn’t right at Cheltenham and Noel regrets running him, but the reports are that he’s back in good form now and they’re expecting a good run.
Imperial Call – for me he is the best around on soft ground, Glencove Marina doesn’t fall in to that category in my eyes. On good he comes up short, with cut he will take some beating.
I see Catch Me as a hurdling equivalent to Nickname.
8 runners on Sunday with all the main contenders set to take their chance. Davy Russell will ride Brave Inca for the first time on his comeback run. Noel Meade saddles two runners, Paul rides Muirhead with Slippers on last year’s winner Aitmatov. Muirhead is into 8/1 now with Aitmatov drifting out to 9s with Paddy Power.
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