Grade Two WKD Hurdle Guide 2022

Bonarc is off the back of two duck-eggs now, which hardly inspires confidence in her at this level.

She was tenth of ten last time out in a 2m Handicap Hurdle for mares, and nothing looked particularly amiss so that must be noted.

She did win a handicap hurdle at Kilbeggan in May, but that sort of form is miles off what’s required here. Out of her depth.

David Garrick is yet to win over hurdles so it’s hard to see him winning this, with very talented graded horses in the line up here.

His last two runs have been on the flat at Naas and Cork respectively, where he ran decent races but he was ultimately held.

His last run over hurdles was in a Ballinrobe Maiden Hurdle in July, where he could only manage third. He has an almost impossible task on here.

Pied Piper had a very successful season last year. He managed to win on hurdles debut at Punchestown (beating Vauban) before absolutely dotting up in a G2 at Cheltenham on trials day.

He ran well for the rest of the season, but ultimately found Vauban and Fil Dor a bit too good in the G1’s.

He has the benefit of a recent run, and he won in facile fashion, so he must be feared.

Gaelic Arc is a useful enough type, but he’ll likely be outclassed by the Gordon Elliot duo here.

He has ran well in a few decent little races throughout the spring/summer, his highlight was probably his fifth in a G3 Novice Hurdle at Tipperary, behind Champ Kiely.

He will have to improve to beat the main protagonists but he will be in the running for third.

Fil Dor consistently ran to a very high level last year, often bumping into potential superstar Vauban on several occasions.

Fil Dor himself managed successes in a G2, and a G3, and finished runner up on all of his three following starts, all in G1 company.

He lacks a recent run, so Pied Piper may have an edge on him for fitness, but there’s not much to separate them on ability.

Top chance.