NHC WEEK 3 RACE 1 PREVIEW
NHC Week 3 Race 1 Maplewood Developments Hurdle Preview
Grade 1 – 2m – 4yo + All Sexes
Going: Good to Firm
Overview: The first grade 1 race of the jumps seasons comes from Punchestown this week and, strangely enough, there is only one horse entered which has a win to its name. All of the horses entered however, will be highly regarded by their trainers’ and a number of these runners will be aimed at top class hurdle races during the course of the season. Jumping will need to be fluent to win here as with the firm going they are sure to go a furious gallop in the early stages. Let’s have a look through the runners and riders to pick out the serious contenders and possible each-way chances:
CACAMIRI (Hemz) – 5yo stallion – P Buchanan (11st
– 111.
Comes from a top jumps stable which has made a relatively slow start to the season. Looked a promising sort on his debut, finishing 3rd of 9 runners over this trip and ground before flopping next time out on bottomless ground. Trainer will be confident the return to quicker ground will suit and it is likely that this horse could run a good race. Wouldn’t be able to back it with a whole lot of confidence but could definitely reward any each-way bets. Respected.
GIFT VOUCHER (K Robertson) – 4yo mare – B Hughes (11st 5) – 118.
Another young jump horse from a top yard which is now looking for success in the NHC. Did not look one of the stable stars when finishing 5th out of 9 on her debut, however the heavy going at Wincanton in week 2 showed her in a different light, where she gamely held of the challenge of Mandango Fandango. These two face off again here and it will be interesting to see whether the form of week 2 holds up. In week 1 this mare finished behind D Hooley’s Rooster Booster and also behind another of HurricaneRun’s hurdlers who is not held in as high a regard as Mandango Fandango. That being said, this mare has an outstanding chance to put the form of week 1 well behind her and underline her potential to be a top class hurdler. Leading Contender.
ITS FRANKEL TIME (Staresy) – 5yo mare – C Huxley (11st 5) – 109.
Has finished behind a number of these runners in the first two weeks and the trainer perhaps feels that a step up in distance could bring some improvement. This mare was not disgraced in those races however and is worth another chance over the minimum distance. I don’t think she will reverse the form with some of her competition in this race, however she may be one to follow when stepped up in distance later in the season. Outsider.
MANDANGO FANDANGO (Hurricane Run) – 5yo stallion – F Giles (11st
– 123.
Highest rated hurdler in the field and this yard has made a flying start to the NHC season with 11 winners in the first two weeks. A highly regarded hurdler, Mandango Fandango has ran well in both weeks to date, has jumped well and shown a great deal of promise. Couldn’t quite hold off the challenge of Gift Voucher last week however the return to quicker ground is sure to suit. Entirely possible that he will find one or two of these too good for him again, but with the form on off he must be there or thereabouts. Favourite.
ROOSTER BOOSTER (D Hooley) – 6yo gelding – N Fehily (11st
– 113.
Ran a great race on his debut over course, distance, and going and therefore is entitled to a great deal of respect in this race. Combine the form with the fact that this horse comes from a leading stable which knows where to place its horses and this horse is certain to run a good race. If he doesn’t win then he will go very close. Could easily be heading to Cheltenham later in the season for one of the top hurdle races. Leading contender.
UNCERTAIN RESERVE (FiXiT) – 4yo colt – P J Brennan (11st
– 104.
Performances in the first two weeks have left the trainer scratching his head a little bit. Making poor mistakes and weakening in his races over this trip, it looks a case of having a drink in the last chance saloon. Looks to have a lot on his plate here and therefore it is likely that his last chance will be a missed chance. Outsider.
WILD WIND (Rich Coates) – 5yo mare – C Williams (11st 5) – 115.
This mare has had one race to date, finishing 3rd in a very competitive 2mile maiden at Market Rasen. Had Mandango Fandango behind her that day and ran a very promising race, just being headed close to home by two very promising hurdlers. Trainer likes this horse and will be confident his mare can show further improvement to take this first grade 1 of the season. There is a lot to like about her and I think she will run a cracking race. Leading contender.
Verdict: On form it looks like this race is between four of the runners. Gift Voucher showed marked improvement to win on bottomless ground last time out, however I would be concerned that the return to quicker turf will hinder her chances in this. Wild Wind and Rooster Booster have both shown a great deal of promise on their debut runs and both a certain to figure in a number of top quality hurdle races this season. MANDANGO FANDANGO has not been able to hold off his challengers in his first two races, however the trainer is confident that his charge is going to perform to his best capabilities on this quicker going. It is not a selection which is worth putting the house and it would be no surprise to see any of the four main contenders win this race. Mandango Fandango is the tentative choice however, where it is predicted that his greater experience will come into play.
