14:45 Thurles
Thursday 9 February 2017
All13:4014:1014:4515:1515:4516:2016:55
thurles.ie Maiden Hurdle
- 5YO plus  |  2m  |  Soft (Soft to Heavy in places)  |  18 Runners  |  Turf  |   Weighed In
- Off time: 14:45Â Â |Â Â Winning time: 4m 14.60s
Cloth number
Odds
Horse A-Z
Show odds
Plenty more needed on the evidence of two spins over hurdles so far, formerly quite useful on the Flat.
Gone very close in two of three hurdling starts, drops in trip for this and likely to be right on the premises.
Disappointing at Gowran Park a fortnight ago on second hurdles start in race won by smart prospect Bon Papa, much to prove here.
Finished ahead of Davids Charm but beaten a long way recently Gowran Park in sole hurdles outing.
Disappointing when last spotted at Limerick 44 days ago, but would have some claims on previous runs and looks to be on a fair mark.
Couple of promising runs in bumpers behind him for champion trainer, obvious contender on hurdles bow.
Showed a smidgen more than had been the case in his last run at Gowran Park, requires more and potentially one for handicaps in time.
Winning pointer hasn't shown any signs of progress in four hurdling starts, hard to fancy a significant turnaround now.
Cut no ice on recent jumping debut, that was over an extended three-miles however and takes a significant drop in trip now.
Not a great record in point-to-points ahead of this rules debut, best watched in the market.
Fours runs over hurdles in early 2016 weren't devoid of promise, been off ten months since underwhelming Down Royal run in March.
Was sent off at 200/1 for a maiden hurdle over C&D last month, falling at the fourth.
Beaten a long way in both maiden hurdle runs, including over C&D last month, much more required.
Made good strides as a point-to-pointer, winning over three-miles when last out in that sphere in June. Makes first start under rules now.
Beaten some 36-lengths when fourth of 16 over the C&D last month, that was first taste of the racecourse and should have something more to offer.
Struggled in both outings over flights, does drop in trip now but remains tough to build a case for.
Kalanisi mare makes her debut here and will be of interest to some observers as a half-sister to the talented but frustrating Harchibald.
Pulled up sole start in point-to-point, modest enough on the breeding front and one to watch on rules debut.
Non-Runners
19
Oskar High19
Weight: 11-3|Â Â Age: 5
T: N Lee  J: Reserve 1
NR
20
Twilight Court76
Weight: 10-10|Â Â Age: 5
T: Mrs D Foster  J: Reserve 2
NR
21
Artical Eleven280
Weight: 11-4|Â Â Age: 7
T: D McNamara  J: Reserve 3
NR
Forecasts
Capital Force (4/9), Sharps Choice (5/2), Rebel Ace (20/1), Shakeytry (20/1), Snugsborough Benny (20/1), Give Battle (25/1), Roi De Dubai (33/1), Davids Charm (33/1), Antonio Joli (33/1), Niamh's Wish (33/1), Tough But Honest (66/1), Mezajy (66/1), Jimmyjames (100/1), The Canny Man (100/1), Auntie's Nephew (100/1), Wilton Star (100/1), Go Roddy Go (100/1), Mister Orcadian (100/1)
Despite a large field this race appears to lack a lot of depth. Capital Force has gone close in similar company on a couple of occasions but it is something of a worry that he travels so powerfully and doesn't appear to find as much as might be expected in the finish. As such, he is bypassed in favour of jumping newcomer SHARPS CHOICE, whose trainer has landed the last two renewals of this race. He has twice placed in bumpers at this track and can take advantage of his main market rival in the run to the line. Shakeytry showed some promise over C&D on his hurdles debut and can again threaten the minor money while Give Battle and Rebel Ace also have some potential to do better. Niamh's Wish is a half-sister to Harchibald and will generate some interest as a result.
1. Sharps Choice
2. Capital Force
3. Rebel Ace
Prize Money
1st: €6,775.002nd: €2,101.003rd: €1,002.004th: €450.005th: €176.00
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