How lucky are the Hammer and Trowell syndicate? Not only do they own the mighty mare Quevega they also own yesterday’s Morgiana Hurdle winner Thousand Stars. They are lovely people and deserve every success. Thousand Stars must be the most consistent horse in training with versatility in abundance too. His previous victory had been in the French Champion Hurdle over a distance just short of 3m2f. Just like King Kauto the day before he made all over the 2 mile trip under the man of the moment Ruby Walsh and was absolutely foot perfect at every flight. Although he will be entered for the Hatton’s Grace Hurdle on 4 December, Willie Mullins has stated that he will more than likely stay over 2 miles.
With that in mind it seems the next assignment for Thousand Stars could be the Istabraq Hurdle at Leopardstown which will see him again clash with Morgiana runner up Oscars Well who is surely running over the wrong distance. Even in the very soft underfoot conditions I think we again saw that Oscars is not a true 2 miler. For now connections are choosing to stay the 2 mile route to take in the Champion Hurdle. Whilst it’s true that you do need to be able to stay further than 2 miles to win a Champion Hurdle I just think he is vulnerable at the trip. If the Istabraq Hurdle is run in desperate bog like conditions then it would be interesting. What I am really looking forward to is seeing Oscars run in the 2m4f Aintree Hurdle in April for which he must be a strong fancy. Call me mad but I would love to see him jump a fence!
The Christmas Leopardstown meeting is shaping up to be a real yuletide feast. So Young and Last Instalment who both won in impressive fashion yesterday are heading there (The 3mile Hurdle for So Young and the Grade One Fort Leney Chase for Last Instalment). Another on course for the same event is Days Hotel who earned himself a 33/1 quote for the Arkle by winning the 2m Grade Two Novice Chase. His intended target at Leopardstown is the Grade One Racing Post Novice Chase.
