Smad Place (FR) 7-y-o (26Apr07 gr g)
Smadoun (FR) — Bienna Star (FR) (Village Star (FR) (6.3f))
Alan King
Following an excellent run under top-weight in a Class Two Handicap Hurdle in February 2012, Smad Place developed into a consistent Grade One/Two staying hurdler. This season his attention has been switched to fences. Having unseated at the last at Huntingdon on his chasing debut, when certain to win, he ran out a comfortable winner from Ardkilly Witness at Exeter. The runner-up went on to win his next race. Smad Place’s jumping was safe without being flashy, though he will need further practice before stepping up in grade. Given his hurdle rating of 156 and the fact he has not been over raced since his UK debut in 2010, I suggest there is more in the tank. Previous experience at the Cheltenham Festival will stand him in good stead for his likely target, the RSA chase.
