Juvenile Hurdlers 2012/13

[Bachelors Hall]

Tomorrow’s contest at Market Rasen is the first Class 2 this season and simply put, is the Triumph Hurdle of those seen thus far as it features the top three rated juveniles in Hilali, Halogen and King’s Wharf. Newcomers Dont Take Me Alive and Rosie’s Lady have top class horses on the dam side but their sires, Araafa and Elusive City, only have one hurdle winner apiece and those wins came in sellers.

Rosie’s Lady 4/2

Stage Affair

2nd Champion Hurdle (G1), Leopardstown 2001
Dont Take Me Alive 4/2

Royal Gait

1st Champion Hurdle (G1), Cheltenham 1992*
Halogen 2/1

Ambobo

1st Classic Novices’ Hurdle (G2), Cheltenham 2005**
Adili 4/3

Spirit Of Adjisa

1st Champion Novice Hurdle, Punchestown 2011
Dalmo 1/1

Pigeon Island

1st Dovecote Novices’ Hurdle (G2), Kempton 2008
King’s Wharf 3/2

Father Sky

1st Classic Novices’ Hurdle (G2), Uttoxeter 1995
Grand Gold 1/1

Buddy Holly

3rd Novices’ Hurdle, Towcester 2011
Outback 2/1

Helensburgh

1st 3YO Hurdle, Punchestown 2004
Snowed In 3/2

So Precious

1st Juvenile Hurdle, Fakenham 2000
Saffa Hill 2/1

Treeko

2nd Novices’ Hurdle, Sedgefield 2009
Hilali 3/2

Naughty By Nature

1st Handicap Hurdle (96), Bangor 2009

*Dont Take Me Alive is also 3/2 with Contraband
**Halogen’s dam is useful hurdler Trompette

Sires

Dalmo – Dalakhani (4)
Hilali – Sakhee (4)
Adili – Dubai Destination (3)
Saffa Hill – Tiger Hill (3)
Halogen – Halling (1)
Grand Gold – Librettist (1)

[Tuffers]

Looks like a really interesting contest at this stage. I think Hilali will take a bit of beating.

[befair]

Thanks again Bachelors; although I’ve always had a soft spot for the 3 yr-old hurdlers (they don’t knwo that they’re right at the bottom of the pile, they try as hard as the rest)I’ve never kept such a close eye on them. It’s been fascinating to watch the season slowly develop and the Hilali/Halogen clash has the feel of a title match.

[Tuffers]

A really good attitude from the winner there – that must put him straight to the top of the list of juveniles seen out so far.

[Bachelors Hall]

Thank you for reading, Befair. Keeping this thread up has encouraged me to watch the juveniles more avidly than I would have done.

It was slightly disappointing to see Halogen lose the race near enough at the start but the form at the finish looks absolutely solid. Grand Gold should clearly be excused his last run at the track as he’s since improved on the flat and has pretty much ran to form on his Ffos Las running with King’s Wharf. It is a bit of a curiosity as to how Fine Resolve hasn’t ran fantastically since but it’s probable that King’s Wharf and Grand Gold have since improved. Gary Brown’s charge does come out best at the weights so all hail King Hilali. Let’s see how long he will reign for.

The order of things amongst Ireland’s juveniles is much cloudier and tomorrow’s maiden at Clonmel threatens to muggy up the scene some more although perhaps one of the newcomers will improve dramatically from the flat…

Hurricane Sky 3/1

Khayrawani

1st Coral Cup (144 G3), Cheltenham 1999
Wot A Shot 2/1

Mistinguett

1st Cleeve Hurdle (G1), Cheltenham 1998 *
South South West 3/4

What’s The Verdict

2nd Champion Novice Hurdle (G2), Punch ’97
Ice Ice Baby 1/1

Veiled

3rd Coral Cup (137), Cheltenham 2012
Everything Zain 2/2

Fnan

3rd Champion Stayers Hurdle (G1), Punchestown 2002
Magical Moon 2/2

Bagber

3rd AON Hurdle, Punchestown 2011
Bigearsonmyright 2/1

Tashtikar

1st Prix Achille-Fould (Listed), Auteuil 2005
Danequest 3/1

Valedictory

1st Handicap Hurdle (122), Kelso 1999
Shabra Emperor 4/3

Corniche

2nd Handicap Hurdle (115), Uttoxeter 2000**
Porterman 3/2

Hill Fairy

1st Mares Handicap Hurdle (99), Cork 2008
Naughty 4/1

First Stage

2nd Handicap Hurdle, Bellewstown 1992

*Mistinguett was also 2nd in her Triumph
**Corniche was also 13th in his Triumph

Sires

Porterman – Barathea (7)
Everything Zain – Cape Cross (4)
Magical Moon – Dansili (2)
Bigearsonmyright – Mujahid (1)

[Bachelors Hall]

A really good attitude from the winner there – that must put him straight to the top of the list of juveniles seen out so far.

I still make Hilali on top of the pile given the weight concession. If memory serves, I think that Hilali made a few sketchy jumps which cost him a few more lengths whereas Grand Gold jumped cleanly. The replay’s coming back up in a moment though so I’ll see if this view’s confirmed.

I do agree though that the winner’s attitude was fantastic and he still has scope for further improvement. One can imagine seeing him contest the Wensleydale next month.

I must apologise by the way for accidentally omitting Poetic Power from the list of hurdlers to come. What’s the latest on him?

[Tuffers]

I must apologise by the way for accidentally omitting Poetic Power from the list of hurdlers to come. What’s the latest on him?

Ian is really pleased with his progress. He’s done some schooling indoors and will school over hurdles outdoors for the first time this week.

We’re still tentatively looking at Warwick in the first week of November for his hurdles debut mainly because that’s one of our local tracks.

Needless to say I’ve already worked out a campaign which includes a triumph hurdle trial at Cheltenham

[Bachelors Hall]

Excellent stuff Tuffers. Cheers for that

I’m glad to hear of his progress. It’s a bit of a shame that he won’t be running at Ludlow next week as I could have been tempted to offer a pint as a token of gratitude for the information. Still, I’m sure I’ll get an opportunity in the spring when Poetic Power attempts to complete the Triumph/Aintree double

Tomorrow at Bangor will see the long awaited debut of Donald McCain’s well bred Right To Rule who first appeared on this thread after he passed through the sales ring back in July. The ex William Haggas gelding has already missed four possible engagements but now we’ll get a chance to see if it was 40,000gns well spent. He faces a fair examination on his hurdles bow against the likes of Sedgefield runner up Kealshore Again, Ian William’s Cool Hand Luke, another likeable newcomer in My Guardian Angel and Tim Vaughan’s Alborz who will be looking to leave his Market Rasen run behind him after a win at Ffos Las. Despite the small field, it should prove a nicely informative contest.

Right To Rule 1/1

Simenon

3rd Champion Novice Hurdle, Punchestown 2012*
Alborz 1/1

Hunterview

1st Scottish County Hurdle (130), Musselburgh 2011
Kealshore Again 4/3

Balanak

1st Dovecote Novices’ Hurdle (G2), Kempton 1995
Khatella 2/1 Tora Bora 126 1st Handicap Hurdle (118), Ascot 2008
My Guardian Angel 4/2

Seasonal Splendour

Maiden Hurdle, Newton Abbot 1995
Rapid Heat Lad 1/1

Reaching Out

2nd Handicap Hurdle (101), Gowran Park 2008
Cool Hand Luke 2/1

Furness

2nd Juvenile Hurdle, Newcastle 2000

*Right To Rule is also 2/2 with Aigle D’Or

Sires

Right To Rule – Rock Of Gibraltar (7)
Alborz – Dubai Destination (3)
Khatella – Generous (3)
Cool Hand Luke – Le Vie Dei Colori (2)

[Tuffers]

Excellent stuff Tuffers. Cheers for that

I’m glad to hear of his progress. It’s a bit of a shame that he won’t be running at Ludlow next week as I could have been tempted to offer a pint as a token of gratitude for the information. Still, I’m sure I’ll get an opportunity in the spring when Poetic Power attempts to complete the Triumph/Aintree double

I’ve just watched Poetic Power have his first schooling session outside and I haven’t put a line through the Cheltenham race yet

He may also run this month now rather than waiting for Warwick.

[Tuffers]

Tomorrow at Bangor will see the long awaited debut of Donald McCain’s well bred Right To Rule who first appeared on this thread after he passed through the sales ring back in July. The ex William Haggas gelding has already missed four possible engagements but now we’ll get a chance to see if it was 40,000gns well spent. He faces a fair examination on his hurdles bow against the likes of Sedgefield runner up Kealshore Again, Ian William’s Cool Hand Luke, another likeable newcomer in My Guardian Angel and Tim Vaughan’s Alborz who will be looking to leave his Market Rasen run behind him after a win at Ffos Las. Despite the small field, it should prove a nicely informative contest.

I’m told that Cool Hand Luke’s jumping shouldn’t hold him back today. Whether he’s good enough to beat the likes of Right to Rule is a different matter though.

[Bachelors Hall]

I’ve just watched Poetic Power have his first schooling session outside and I haven’t put a line through the Cheltenham race yet

He may also run this month now rather than waiting for Warwick.

I see he isn’t entered up at Ludlow next week. I suppose it’s too early in the season to be destroying Moidore’s confidence just yet

I’m told that Cool Hand Luke’s jumping shouldn’t hold him back today. Whether he’s good enough to beat the likes of Right to Rule is a different matter though.

I’m not really sure what to make of today’s race to be honest. On the form of his Lingfield win where he had winners Ctappers, Foster’s Road and Dalmo in behind, Rapid Heat Lad was entitled to win a race of his own at some juncture. I just didn’t see him winning today, least not by 13 lengths. Just with Hilali (although in reverse fashion), the change of tactics seems to have done him the world of good although to be fair, he seemed to have simply run this lot ragged.

Anywhom, it’s been a hectic day so apologies for posting the pedigrees later than usual. I’ve not had a great look at tomorrow’s Fontwell lot but dual course and distance runner up Feb Thirtyfirst looks of interest. Irish transfer Southfork brings an intriguing dimension whilst Ballyheigue gets an opportunity to redeem himself for his Newton Abbot disappointment.

Chankillo 2/2

Rhinestone Cowboy

3rd Champion Hurdle (G1), Cheltenham 2003*
Annaluna 3/2

Atlaal

2nd Gerry Feilden Hurdle (G2), Newbury 1990
Ballyheigue 3/4

Degas Art

3rd 4-y-o Novices Hurdle (G1), Aintree 2007
Southfork 4/1

Wemyss Quest

1st Novices Hurdle, Cheltenham 2001
Feb Thirtyfirst 1/1

Crookhaven

7th Triumph Hurdle (G1), Cheltenham 2007
Whipcrackaway 1/1

Louisville Lip

3rd Novice’s Handicap Hurdle (116), Fairyhouse 2011
Redclue 2/1

First Stage

2nd Handicap Hurdle, Bellewstown 1992
Fine Resolve 2/1

Cemgraft

2nd Mares Novices Hurdle, Fontwell 2006

Chankillo is also 2/1 with Rare Holiday, winner of the 1990 Triumph

Sires

Ballyheigue – High Chaparral (13)
Southfork – Nayef (3)
Chankillo – Observatory (1)
Annaluna – Whipper (1)
Whipcrackaway – Whipper (1)

[Tuffers]

I’m not really sure what to make of today’s race to be honest. On the form of his Lingfield win where he had winners Ctappers, Foster’s Road and Dalmo in behind, Rapid Heat Lad was entitled to win a race of his own at some juncture. I just didn’t see him winning today, least not by 13 lengths. Just with Hilali (although in reverse fashion), the change of tactics seems to have done him the world of good although to be fair, he seemed to have simply run this lot ragged.

I think people seriously underestimate how much energy these hurdlers use up if they slow down approaching a hurdle and then have to speed up again between hurdles. Any horse which can just maintain the same speed both before and after the hurdles has a real advantage in these contests. That’s why you can see the form change so much in these early juvenile races.

Personally I favour the ‘start slowly and creep into the race’ approach but as Rapid Heat Lad showed yesterday, if you bounce a horse out and keep up an even pace, the others in behind will struggle to get to you if their jumping doesn’t hold up.

[Bachelors Hall]

Good observation. I’ll keep my eye out for more of the same.

Just as last week, we had Britain’s "Hitherto Triumph", tomorrow’s contest can probably be regarded as the Irish equivalent since it features top rated Top Man Michael and Gordon Elliot’s promising Fisher. Also, Willie Mullins brandishes his first juvenile of the year although to be honest, she’ll have to step up markedly on her flat form to get involved.

Una Veintena 2/1

Clear Riposte

2nd Prix Alain Du Breil (G1), Auteuil 2006
Top Man Micheal 3/4

Divers

2nd Novices Hurdle, Musselburgh 2009
Crouching Harry 2/1

Train Of Thought

1st 4YO Hurdle, Galway 2012
Fisher 2/3

Rathkenny

1st Handicap Hurdle (103), Limerick 2006
Boss’s Star 2/1

Fingal Rock

1st GSB Hurdle (G3), Fairyhouse 2010
Spunky 2/1

Windermere

1st Maiden Hurdle, Naas 2004

Sires

Boss’s Star – Barathea (7)
Crouching Harry – Tiger Hill (3)
Spunky – Invincible Spirit (3)
Top Man Micheal – Antonius Pius (1)

[Bachelors Hall]

Kelso

Van Mildert 4/2

Landing Light

1st Championship Hurdle (G1), Sandown 2001
Greyhope 2/1

Davoski

2nd Dovecote Novices’ Hurdle (G2), Kempton 1999
One Million 2/1

Lethan Weapon

1st Juvenile Hurdle (G1), Leopardstown 2010
Red Tyke 3/1

Mytton’s Choice

2nd Tote Silver Trophy (129), Chepstow 1996
Fine Kingdom 4/1

Souabe

2nd Prix Jacques d’Indy (G3), Auteuil 1983
Reckless Romeo 2/1

Abstinence

1st Novice Hurdle, Wetherby 2008
Altnaharra dam

Gargoyle Girl

1st Handicap Hurdle (100), Perth 2004
Forster Street 2/1

Easy Wonder

3rd Conditions Hurdle, Dundalk 1995
Asteroid Belt 2/1

Blue Streak

1st Claiming Hurdle, Plumpton 2003
Captain Baldwin 3/1

Reedling

3rd Juvenile Hurdle, Fontwell 1988

Sires

One Million – Dubai Destination (3)
Forster Street – Acclamation (3)
Captain Baldwin – Dubai Destination (3)
Fine Kingdom – King’s Best (2)
Van Mildert – Observatory (1)
Altnaharra – Halling (1)

Huntingdon

There’s No Rules 3/2

Elusive Dream

1st Mersey Novices’ Hurdle (G2), Aintree 2008
Sleepy Lucy 4/1

Grand Seigneur

1st Summit Junior Hurdle (G2), Lingfield 1999
Scarborough Rock 2/1

Siberian Tiger

2nd bet365.com Hurdle (Listed), Sandown 2010
Castalian Spring 4/3

Ela Agapi Mou

1st Handicap Hurdle (126), Newbury 1998
Outback 2/1

Helensburgh

1st 3YO Hurdle, Punchestown 2004
Juno The Muffinman 1/1

Know The Law

124 3rd Hcp Hurdle (119), Kempton 2009*
Venetian View 2/3

Dancera

3rd Mares Novices’ Hurdle (G3), Down Royal 2008
Bountiful Catch 3/1

Ermine Sea

2nd Maiden Hurdle, Fontwell 2009
Khazium 2/2

Fongoli

4th Wensleydale Juvenile Hurdle, Wetherby 2009
Operation Tracer 2/2

Quilip

9th Junior Bumper, Southwell 2010

*Juno The Muffinman also 3/1 Hawkes Run

Sires

Operation Tracer – Rock Of Gibraltar (7)
Khazium – Kheleyf (1)

[Bachelors Hall]

Titus Star 3/2

Howle Hill

3rd Elite Hurdle (142 G2), Wincanton 2004*
Linton Hill 2/2

Star Wood

2nd Grimes Hurdle (G3), Tipperary 2007
Rano Pano 3/3

Quartino

1st Grade C Handicap Hurdle (114), Listowel 2008
Miss Conduct 5/4

Power Pack

1st Navan Races Hurdle, Navan 1995
Eightfold 1/1

Ultimate

3rd Scottish County Hurdle (129), Musselburgh 2011**
Dropzone 2/1

Mississippi River

1st Maiden Hurdle, Fairyhouse 2011***
Haymarket 2/1

Red Wine

9th Triumph Hurdle (G1), Cheltenham 2003
Snowed In 3/2

So Precious

1st Juvenile Hurdle, Fakenham 2000
Cool Hand Luke 2/1

Furness

2nd Juvenile Hurdle, Newcastle 2000

*Howle hill also 5th in Triumph
**Eightfold also 2/1 with Demi Beau and Wellbeing
***Dropzone also 2/2 with Dabiroun

Sires

Linton Hill – Tiger Hill (3)
Cool Hand Luke – Le Vie Dei Colori (2)
Titus Star – Titus Livius (1)
Miss Conduct – Overbury (1)
Haymarket – Singspiel (1)

[Tuffers]

It’s early days but we haven’t seen a standout performance so far from the juvenile ranks. I suspect the first chance of that will be on the 21st at Kempton. It’s possible Poetic Power will be making his debut in that race.

[Bachelors Hall]

Indeed it’s all starting to get very exciting now.

Perhaps we’ll see a Triumph contender tomorrow at Chepstow as both Far West and Handazan are set to make their eagerly awaited (as far as I’m concerned) UK jumps debuts along with Charlie Longsdon’s recent German purchase Acht. Irish transfer Mr Lando and Fontwell winner Gigondas should give a solid indication of how strong the form is.

Mr Lando 2/1

Caracciola

6th County Hurdle (137), Cheltenham 2007*
Far West 2/1

Present Bleu

1st Handicap Hurdle (120), Exeter 2001
Gigondas 2/1

Gee Dee Nen

4th Listed Handicap Hurdle (128), Ascot 2009
Khatella 2/1

Tora Bora

1st Handicap Hurdle (118), Ascot 2008
Handazan 2/2

Domino Dancer

2nd Handicap Hurdle (116), Stratford 2011
Polydamos 3/2

Bulwark

7th Pertemps Hurdle (127), Haydock, 2009
Jambobo dam

Hovering

1st 4YO Hurdle, Galway 2007
Acht 1/1

Alraune

6th Juvenile Hurdle, Stratford 2006

* Mr Lando’s dam, Capitana, was a capable hurdler for Nicky Henderson

Sires

Far West – Poliglote (3)
Khatella – Generous (3)
Handazan – Nayef (3)
Polydamos – Nayef (3)
Jambobo – Acclamation (3)
Acht – Big Shuffle (1)

[Author]

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