Timeform Irish Daily: Boyne Hurdle, Sunday, Navan 14:20

Ireland / Timeform / 18 February 2012 / Leave a Comment

Does Willie Mullins hold the key to the Boyne Hurdle?

"Mourad is a tough opponent at this level but stable-companion Mikael d'Haguenet has been in resurgent form of late and is taken to complete a 4-timer in receipt of 2 lb."

Timeform run the rule over the field for the Grade 2 Boyne Hurdle at Navan, in which Willie Mullins has a strong hand...

Fully Funded won Grade 2 novice at this course in 2010/11 and had Mikael d'Haguenet behind when runner-up in the Lismullen here in November. Now blinkered after failing to reach the same level in 2 chases.

Mourad has been consistent since his third in the World Hurdle in March, in frame at Grade 1/2 level all 5 starts since. Arguably the form pick but Ruby Walsh prefers the stable's other runner.

Mikael d'Haguenet has gradually found his feet back over hurdles since an anticlimactic novice chasing campaign. Comes here on the back of a hat-trick but this is his toughest assignment of the season so far.

Stonemaster was a good fourth in this last season and won minor events on next 2 starts. However, has gone the wrong way over fences this term, running particularly poorly when tried in blinkers last time.

Benash ran a decent race when 10 lengths second to Zaidpour in the Tara here in December but well beaten by Mikael d'Haguenet either side (by over 70 lengths second time), and stiff task again.

Forty Foot Tom produced his best effort when fourth in a Leopardatown handicap off mark of 111 this time last year. Looks to be working his way back to form but out of his depth at this level.

Rick is a reliable 8-y-o who was 7 lengths second to Mikael d'Haguenet at Naas last time. Has a 6 lb pull but that is unlikely to be sufficient and he's probably playing for only minor money.

Whatuthink is a one-time smart hurdler but just the 1 win from 18 starts over fences and his fourth back over hurdles in the Galmoy at Gowran last time confirms he's not the force of old.

Timeform 1-2-3
1. Mickael d'Haguenet
2. Mourad
3. Rick

Timeform Verdict: Mourad is a tough opponent at this level but stable-companion Mikael d'Haguenet has been in resurgent form of late and is taken to complete a 4-timer in receipt of 2 lb. Few of the remainder make much appeal but Rick is as likely as any of them to pick up third place.
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