Champion Hurdle 2013
FSF: Graham Richards Form & Speed rating TF: Timeform rating RPR: Racing Post rating
It is important to note that despite the FSF rating being a lesser figure than the other two, it is the difference between individual horses’ figure that is the guide. In addition, FSF is a form and speed figure. I have Rock On Ruby top by 1lb, whereas Timeform and RPR have him 2lb behind Hurricane Fly.
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FSF
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TF
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RPR
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Rock On Ruby
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Rock On Ruby won the 2012 renewal with a gritty display. Having taken the lead after the second last he kept on well after the final flight all the way to the glory line. One can argue he had the run of the race that day. However, his rivals had every chance, yet none could land a blow on the run-in. Returning to action last December, he ran a similar race until lack of fitness told approaching the last flight. The heavy ground would not have suited him that day. Given his favoured good or good to soft ground, he looks sure to be in the firing line.
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154
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171
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171
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HURRICANE FLY
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Hurricane Fly has returned to his best this season. However, I am not sure what he have learned from those three wins. Concisely, he is in similar form prior to last year’s Champion Hurdle. He has had three runs this time round which may see an improved performance in March. RPR’s display he ran 4lb below his best figure last March, this suggests to me he would still not have won at his best. Using time based ground assessment; the 2012 renewal was run in a 3.61 second faster time on what was similar ground to 2011. For the stats minded, no winner has regained his crown since Comedy Of Errors in 1975. In addition, only two nine-year-olds have won in the same period. (1992 and 2003)
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153
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173
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173
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BINOCULAR
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Winner of the 2010 renewal, Binocular faces similar stats to Hurricane Fly. He returned to action recently with a pleasing effort behind Hurricane Fly at Leopardstown. His jumping was assured though the ground would not have been in his favour. Sure to improve, he should run well without perhaps possessing the ability to win again.
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150
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164
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170
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Zarkandar
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Zarkandar finished fifth last year when not considered at his best. This season he prevailed in a pulsating finish at Wincanton before following up in the Elite Hurdle at Prestbury Park. I was taken with his jumping and tenacity that day. However, he is yet to record an RPR or FSF this season higher than his Champion Hurdle figure. Nevertheless, he is at the right age to show further development and looks sure to give a good account of himself.
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149
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167
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164
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Grandouet
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This fellow missed last year’s race due to injury. He returned to action in December and was far from disgraced when second to Zarkandar conceding 4lb. A strong travelling individual, he leaves me with the impression the hill may always be his Achilles’ heel.
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149
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167
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166
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DARLAN
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An unlucky loser when falling in the 2012 Betfair Hurdle, Darlan proceeded to run excellent races at Cheltenham and Aintree. Returning to action at Kempton Park, he left a decent field in his wake when quickening away from Raya Star and chums. A stronger and more mature individual, one hopes his speed will not be blunted by the stamina-sapping run from the home turn.
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146
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162
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163
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THOUSAND STARS
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Consistently runs well in the top two-mile hurdle races. However, his profile suggests further success waits at Auteuil in May and June.
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145
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163
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162
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COUNTRYWIDE FLAME
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Winner of the 2012 Triumph Hurdle, Countrywide Flame returned in the Fighting Fifth at Newcastle. Having jumped well he proceeded to bolt up from Cinders and Ashes. Following than run, he was comprehensively beaten by Darlan in the Christmas Hurdle. My ratings display he was 6lb below his best that day suggesting he will still need to improve to get past Darlan. Thought not to be at his best going right-handed, he faces a stiff task for a second season hurdler.
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140
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156
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158
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CINDERS AND ASHES
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Well beaten in the Fighting Fifth and Christmas Hurdles, Cinders And Ashes will need to find plenty of improvement to trouble the big guns in March. Whilst he is reported to have disliked the heavy ground on both occasions, he scooted round Haydock Park last season in similar conditions.
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139
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155
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151
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GRUMETI
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Improved around 10lb from his Triumph Hurdle third, to run out a game winner at Aintree. Switched to the flat in May, he improved a similar amount according to the official handicapper. That suggests he has more than a chance of becoming a realistic contender. However, an ongoing injury has hampered his preparation and time is running out for the Festival.
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138
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158
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151
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