FOREST BIHAN - B ELLISONDisappointing on his last two runs (One on a right- handed track) Forest Bihan started the season with an excellent third to Aristo Du Plessis at Ayr. Since that run, the winner has improved 2. Having had a short break, he should be ready to show his best in two- mile handicap hurdles.*Houblon Des Obeaux - Miss V Williams.
Houblon Des Obeaux is dropping down the handicap to a realistic mark. Although on a lengthy losing run, his profile suggests he may have not had the right conditions recently. A look at his profile tells us three- miles, on ground no worse than soft, Aidan Coleman on top, at Newbury, Wincanton, or Ascot will see him competitive. Bar one small mistake, he jumped like an old hand to destroy his rivals in a two- mile novice chase at Fairyhouse.
His breeding suggests to me, a tilt at the JLT would be the best route, a race for which he has attracted support recently. Having jumped accurately if a little high, he had the race in safekeeping approaching the final fence. Unfortunately, he was going too fast and overjumped landing steeply and slithering as he landed.
Managing to stay on his feet, Ruby Walsh galvanised him (despite riding with one leg in his stirrups), he ran on strongly to snatch the race out of the fire. Both the second and third possessed decent placed form coming into the race, running up to, or improving their RPR’s. One hopes all is well with the horse, as he looks above average.*OPERA ROCK - MISS V WILLIAMSThis fellow made his debut in a Bumper at Warwick.
Sent off favourite he got upset in the preliminaries before running as green as the turf below his hoofs through the race. He ran on up the straight but once again showed signs of inexperience. Artcut 2009 Free Software Download there.
If this run settles him down, he looks sure to win a similar event.*OPEN EAGLE - W MULLINSSteadily improving novice hurdler that finished second to Doctor Hobson at Warwick. Settled off the pace, he jumped well through the race. Moving into second place round the home turn, he closed the leader down before flattening out on the run- in. Considering he was asked to make a deal of ground up before making his challenge this was a fine effort.
FSF’s suggest he is of a similar ability going into Cheltenham as last year’s Martin Pipe hurdle winner Killultagh Jack. Taken round on the inside by Monsieur Ricou he jumped well through the race. Travelling kindly into the second last, he was caught for a turn of foot as the winner quickened round the home turn. Closing the gap, he landed flat footed on the run- in before keeping on well.
Both sides of his breeding indicate he will stay two and a half- miles suggesting he should be put on the Neptune Hurdle short list.*POLITOLOGUE - P NICHOLLSFollowing an unfortunate exit approaching the last hurdle in North Hill Harvey’s race at Cheltenham, Politologue ran a promising race when second to Barters Hill in the Challow at Newbury. In the latter race, he travelled like a dream until the second last. A combination of stamina and the holding ground saw him outstayed by the winner from that point. Bred to stay two and a half- miles, he may be considered for handicaps in the coming weeks.*Ria D\'Etel (FR) - W MULLINSTwo runs in France for this filly.
Third at Clairefontaine on her racecourse debut, she bolted up at Auteuil on her next run. Collateral form suggests she should be rated in the mid- 1.
That suggests she will be capable of fining a Graded race at some stage. Reported to have pleased in her work at home. Held- up in the Imperial Cup (Opposed to his other UK three races) he ran without the hood used on his previous run. However, despite hold- up tactics, he ran too freely through the race. Turning into the long home straight, he failed to make any impression (As many did) on those that had raced prominently. A combination of his refusal to settle and ground that would be testing enough (Final race of the day) for a four- year- old, conspired to the margin of defeat.
If he can be taught to settle and race within himself, he can win a decent handicap hurdle. Better ground will help as will the refitting of a hood.
Ran well enough at Cheltenham last November to be considered for the Fred Winter.*WALK IN THE MILL - R WALFORDLight raced French import. He has run two good races from three runs in this country. He may well be suited to tighter tracks having run well at Warwick and Lingfield Park. Stays up to two and a half- miles and best on soft to heavy.*YORKHILL - W MULLINSImproving novice hurdler that took the Tolworth Hurdle in good style last time out.
He travelled well through the jumping well. Produced to lead after the second last he jumped the final flight in good style.
Despite idling a touch on the run- in he was never in any danger. The second home upped his RPR suggesting the form is solid while the time, five and a half second faster than the concluding handicap won by Rayvin Black, strengthens the race.
His breeding, work at home on better ground, allied to the way he travels, suggests the Supreme Hurdle may prove his best option. Mr Mullins has indicated he will run two horses in most of the races at Cheltenham to strengthen his position. In different ownership to Min, he looks worthy of his place. ALTERNATIF - D PIPEStayed on well from off the pace behind Knock House at Cheltenham. Not the most straightforward, he may come into his own when stamina is at a premium. Faced with a lower grade and heavy ground, he came good at Fontwell. Won with something to spare and should, given his favoured conditions, do well in the same grade or slightly higher.
Found the Cheltenham hill finding him out in early January. May need a sharp track and Class Three handicaps to show his best. ADMIRAL CHIEF - W MULLINSReported to be amongst the best Bumper horses at the “Mullins Academy.” Sure to win races, it is worth noting, owners Gigginstown Stud are known to dislike the Festival Bumper at Cheltenham. Ballyheigue Bay - Chris Gordon. Ran a blinder at Sandown Park behind Carole\'s Destrier in the London National.
He led or disputed the lead, being the only horse on the pace to finish in the frame. A winner at Fontwell and Kempton Park, he enjoys racing left or right- handed on good to soft or softer ground. Disappointed at Kempton Park. No apparent excuse.
Similar run at Warwick and has to be watched at present. ARTERS h. ILL - b. EN p. AULINGThe form of his hurdling debut allied to his Bumper win at Aintree in April, suggests he will challenging for top honours in the spring of 2. His breeding suggests the Neptune or Albert Bartlett will prove ideal targets, with the latter marginally favoured at present. Ran out a comfortable winner of the Challow Hurdle despite showing signs of greenness. His trainer describes him as a “Talented monkey” with a big engine that should prove more effective on less testing ground. The impression here was the Albert Bartlett would be as the ideal choice as he appears an out and out galloper.
The race has a poor record for Festival winners. One imagines that is due to it is being run soft/heavy winter ground. The trainer indicated he is so tough he may run again before the Festival.