TimeformBlog

Timeform run the rule over a quality renewal of the Grade 1 Festival Hurdle at Leopardstown on Thursday...


Gimli's Rock is a slick hurdler and scored 4 times over timber in 2010, including in Grade 2 at Down Royal. Not been at best this term, though, and faces a stiff task here.

Luska Lad is a tough front runner who held his own at the top level over hurdles in 2010/11, at a variety of trips, and made a satisfactory return at Tipperary in October. Career-best effort needed here, though.

Moon Dice has taken off since being switched to handicaps, winning the ultra-competitive Galway Hurdle in July and a good fourth in Greatwood at Cheltenham last time. This requires quite a bit more.

Oscars Well was an impressive winner of 2 Grade 1 novice hurdles last term prior to finishing fourth in the Baring Bingham at Cheltenham. Been a shade disappointing this term, behind Thousand Stars last time.

The Real Article has not taken long to develop into a very smart hurdler, winning Grade 2s in October and November before a good third in the Hatton's Grace at Fairyhouse earlier this month. Place claims.

Thousand Stars is a tough and reliable performer. Won Grade 1s at Auteuil (3m) in June and Punchestown (2m) in November, making all to beat Oscars Well in latter. Looks the one to beat again.

Voler la Vedette is a consistent mare with an impressive wins-to-runs ratio. Better than ever when beating Mourad by 3½ lengths in the Hatton's Grace at Fairyhouse last time, but won Grade 2 event here yesterday.

Unaccompanied is a lsted winner on the Flat who wasn't far off the best juvenile hurdlers last season, second to Zarkandar in the Triumph. Made the most of a good opportunity last time and may yet do better.


Timeform 1-2-3:

1. Thousand Stars
2. Unaccompanied
3. Oscars Well

Timeform View:Thousand Stars has built up an impressive CV in Grade 1 contests over the past couple of seasons and looks to have this contest at his mercy after the withdrawal of Hurricane Fly. Of the others, Voler La Vedette seems an unlikely runner after winning yesterday, so young pretender Unaccompanied is the most viable alternative, with Oscars Well taken to complete the 3.


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