Big Race Perspective: The World Hurdle

Features / Timeform / 19 March 2010 / Leave a comment

Big Buck's finally gave punters something to cheer about on day three of the Festival

A Festival that had been rather lacklustre to this point, with plenty of the expected stars performing below expectations, finally drew a performance worthy of the meeting, for though those apart from the favourite didn't have the form to win an average running, Big Buck's himself is one of the best seen in this division and didn't disappoint in winning with plenty to spare, not having to match his form in a stronger renewal last year however; the time was fractionally slower than for the Pertemps Final, indicating the relatively steady pace set, the race developing after three out.

"Only the return of Punchestowns or Kasbah Bliss to this sphere seems likely to do much to threaten his total dominance of the division for the forseeable future, a follow-up success in the Liverpool Hurdle at Aintree very much on the cards next month."

Big Buck's confirmed himself by some way the top staying hurdler around in winning a second World Hurdle in ready fashion, the much-discussed so-called flat spot failing to materialise as he cruised through the race and joined the leader on the bridle before the last, the only slight alarm coming after a slight mistake there, soon firmly in control after; only the return of Punchestowns or Kasbah Bliss to this sphere seems likely to do much to threaten his total dominance of the division for the forseeable future, a follow-up success in the Liverpool Hurdle at Aintree very much on the cards next month.

Time For Rupert will be a leading candidate for RSA Chase honours at the 2011 Festival , a smashing chasing prospect on looks, having done nothing but improve as a hurdler over the last year or so, running his best race yet in finishing clear of the remainder, always well placed and having most in trouble as he kicked on two out but only very briefly looking to have a chance against the winner after that one's slight mistake at the last; he'll presumably have another crack at Big Buck's at Aintree but it's hard to make a case for him reversing placings.

Powerstation added to his excellent record at the Festival by finishing third in this for the second year running, finding plenty as he stayed on without threatening after two out, having no pretentions to being any better than this, presumably likely to take his chance at Punchestown, his prospects dependant on what turns up rather than his own ability.

Karabak has had a light campaign and was below his best on just his third start, seemingly not helped by the lack of a true gallop and unable to land a blow after tracking the winner for much of the way, the race not bringing his stamina fully into play while his jumping wasn't the best either, making a couple of mistakes including one when asked for his effort two out; he could yet improve on his form this season and his physique suggests he's likely to be best kept over hurdles.

Ebadiayn looked to have the least chance, just about, on form and did well to get so close to a place, showing himself fully effective at three miles, staying on after being flat out three out as the race began to develop; he wouldn't be an obvious type for chasing and may well continue to struggle for winning opportunities kept to hurdling.

Oscar Dan Dan ended up running creditably but didn't look the most straightforward, getting behind even before the pace really picked up and just running through beaten horses after three out, no danger; he's exposed as a hurdler and needs substandard fields to be fully competitive at this level, while he's getting a little long in the tooth to try chasing.

Tidal Bay had the same chance as the runner-up on their running in the Cleeve but he underlined, if it needed underlining, just what a rogue he is, not applying himself at all and just running past beaten horses after jumping three out in last place.

Cousin Vinny had a choice of four options at the meeting but wasn't likely to be up to the task in any of them, failing to make an impact returned to hurdling and stepped up to three miles for the first time, not fluent and ridden three out, beaten before stamina became an issue.

Lie Forrit, a bit edgy beforehand, may well need softer ground to be seen to best advantage and is one of few of those behind the principals with some pretentions to better, not so well served by the run of the race either and struggling once the pace increased, behind and blundering two out; his tendency to make the odd mistake would need to be ironed out if he's to make a significant impact switched to fences next season.

Fair Along hasn't been at the top of his game since his reappearance and didn't go with much zest here, flat out three out and left behind at the next.

Katchit couldn't add to his excellent Festival record, not seeing the trip out so well as he had here in January, ridden to make ground before two out but no extra in the straight and a fair way below form; he's not easy to place these days.

War of Attrition made his first appearance at the Festival since winning the 2006 Cheltenham Gold Cup but finished well held, travelling comfortably in the lead to two out but soon put in his place and eased after, not up to this class as a hurdler; he holds a Grand National entry and looks on a fair mark, despite the complaints of connections.

Cape Tribulation has been campaigned exclusively in graded races this season but might have been better taking his chance in a handicap or two, not up to this level over three miles for the first time this season and never in contention, behind two out; he isn't an obvious chaser on looks or pedigree.

Sentry Duty was far from certain to stay three miles, though he just didn't seem in top form on just his second start of the season, the first being form hard to weigh up, pushed along at the seventh after being held up in rear and soon behind.

The Timeform Free Form Site offers tips and advice for every race every day in Britain and Ireland. To visit simply go to www.timeform.com/free