Winner of the Contenders Hurdle last time out at Sandown (Listed). He won by 15l in testing conditions beating the useful, Guard Your Dreams. This was on Good To Soft ground - it’s likely to be softer but that won’t be an issue.
It’s hard to know *which Goshen* will turn up, but if he’s on an off day, he’s still probably hard to beat. In this small field he may be able to dictate on the front end and could be hard to peg back.
| Date | Course | Distance | Type | Weight | Position |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 14/10/23 | NMK | 18 | Sft | 8-9 | 26 |
| 29/04/23 | SAN | 21.5 | Sft | 11-10 | 2 |
| 26/02/23 | FON | 19 | Gd | 11-10 | 5 |
| 31/01/23 | LIN | 16 | GS | 11-4 | 3 |
| 26/12/22 | KEM | 24.5 | Sft | 11-7 | 2 |
The outsider of four here, and he looks to be quite exposed. He does boast good form, but nothing that really entitles him to get involved in the finish - relative to his rivals today. He doesn’t seem to finish out his races to the best effect, regardless of distance.
There’s a small chance he could enjoy this tactical affair - as they’re not guaranteed to go overly quick. Llandinabo Lad usually races towards the front end, so could take a lead off Goshen, which might suit.
The ground is likely to suit this Malinas gelding, who’s progeny seem to like softer conditions. He’s impossible to recommend on his form, but there’s suspicion that some of today’s conditions might play to his strengths.
| Date | Course | Distance | Type | Weight | Position |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 09/11/23 | LUD | 20 | GS | 11-10 | 2 |
| 15/10/23 | FFO | 16 | GS | 10-13 | 4 |
| 16/02/23 | SAN | 15.5 | Gd | 11-8 | 4 |
| 28/01/23 | CHL | 20.5 | Sft | 11-3 | 5 |
| 21/12/22 | HER | 16 | Sft | 11-6 | 2 |
Reverting back to hurdles here, Favoir has shown a good level of form both chasing and hurdling.
The last time we saw this Coastal Path gelding over hurdles, he ran out a ready winner of a novice hurdle at Cheltenham. Favoir has a solid record in field sizes smaller than 5, so looks to have a small edge on today’s opposition in that sense.
He’ll need to improve for the switch back to the smaller obstacles to win - but Favoir is an interesting runner with ground to suit.
| Date | Course | Distance | Type | Weight | Position |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 04/11/23 | ASC | 15.5 | Sft | 11-8 | PU |
| 15/10/23 | FFO | 16 | GS | 11-8 | 6 |
| 17/03/23 | CHL | 17 | Sft | 10-7 | 1 |
| 11/02/23 | NBY | 16.5 | Gd | 11-4 | PU |
| 27/12/22 | KEM | 16 | Sft | 11-11 | 4 |
Adagio ran to a very good level last year in the Juvenile division. He confirmed his evident promise with a good run when last seen, he was a close second to West Cork in the Greatwood hurdle at Cheltenham.
The gelding has bundles of potential and with most of his rivals thoroughly exposed, is fancied to take another step up.
The ground is unlikely to be a concern. He’s probably the one to beat, if this likely tactical affair isn’t too much of a hindrance.
