The Timeform Race To Watch: Why there's more to come from Cousin Vinny

Race To Watch / Timeform / 28 December 2008 / Leave a Comment

Timeform run the rule over some of the notable runners from Friday's Durkan New Homes Maiden Hurdle at Leopardstown.

Cousin Vinny was all the rage in the betting for his second start over hurdles in the Durkan New Homes Maiden Hurdle at Leopardstown on Friday and though he landed the odds with the minimum of fuss the race in general looks one to follow, with several behind him looking capable of making their mark in the coming months.

Full credit must go to Cousin Vinny, who is likely to be among Ireland's top novice hurdlers this season, not needing to improve on his excellent third to Hurricane Fly in a Grade 1 at Fairyhouse in November and becoming the third horse to win next time out from that race, jumping well enough in the main and leading just before the last and although making a slight mistake there, sprinting clear on the run-in under hands and heels.

Eight lengths back was Harro The Hero, who belied his odds of 25/1 to run easily his best race yet under rules, racing prominently and shaping as though he'll do even better still when stepped up to two and a half miles and beyond. Lord Lansdown made a most encouraging debut in third, finishing well from an unpromising position and not knocked about in the finish. He'd won a point to point by twenty-five lengths when last seen in April and looks an interesting prospect for hurdles.

Of those behind, Total Excitement shaped well on his second start over hurdles having been off for three months, keeping on steadily from mid-field and looking as though the run will bring him on. The seventh horse, Oklahoma Jack is now qualified to run in handicaps and looks sure to make an impact in that sphere, once more shaping well here, while Liscarton Oscar, who was pulled up, needs one more to run for handicaps himself and looks one for the future.