World Hurdle – Analysis of main contenders plus ratings

Annie Power has been the subject of much speculation. Unbeaten in three Bumpers and seven hurdles, she will be galloping into unknown territory. Her breeding (Shirocco (GER) (11.6f) — Anno Luce (Old Vic (13.0f))) suggests she has every chance of staying three-miles. Her sire has mainly two and a half-miles horses on his c.v. Her dam stayed a mile and a half when racing on the flat. Her sire has thrown numerous horses that stayed three-miles plus during their careers. Annie Power’s penultimate win came at Cheltenham on awful ground over two-miles four and a half-furlongs. She disposed of Zarkandar easily that day, looking to finish with plenty in the tank. It should be noted Zarkandar upheld the form when a game second to Melodic Rendezvous in the Elite Hurdle. Annie Power has won on good to soft through to heavy, winning left and right-handed round flat and undulating tracks. Whilst normally a good jumper, she has in fact made mistakes at the final flight in five of her seven hurdle races. Something she cannot afford at this level of competition. It is worth pointing out that she race races enthusiastically through her races, suggesting any stamina flaws will rise to the surface at the business end of the race.

With four World Hurdles to his name, Big Buck’s faces what is likely to prove his toughest assignment. He returned to action in the Cleeve Hurdle at the end of January. Racing perhaps a shade to freely, he travelled and jumped in good style until challenged by Knockara Beau and At Fishers Cross approaching the last flight. Try as he might, he was unable to hold off his rivals on the run-in. Whilst he will undoubtedly improve for the outing, he was fit enough to run in what was soft/heavy ground underhoof. Timeform’s figure of 156 (20lb below his best) along with an RPR of 160 (18lb below his highest figure) display the level of form. Big Buck’s will need to up his game to regain his crown. At eleven-years, he will need all his ability, tenacity, and courage to achieve what will be the greatest win of his career.

At Fishers Cross looked a natural for this race at the start of the season. Things have not gone as planned and it remains to be seen, if acupuncture and extensive physio have helped to return him to his very best. He showed something of a return to form in the Cleeve Hurdle. His jumping, whilst improved, was ponderous at times. He travelled well through the race but gave vital ground away with his jumping. Given his well-documented issues with his back, that is understandable. However, it was disappointing, given he was produced to win the race at the last hurdle, not to see him pass Knockara Beau on the run-in.

Rule The World finished second to The New One is the 2013 Neptune Hurdle. Following a second to Zaidpour over this trip at the end of December, he dropped back in distance and made all to win a Grade Three at Naas, with plenty in hand. Unexposed at this trip and lightly raced for his age, he has room for further improvement.

More Of That is a fast improving horse that does just enough in his races. A recent comfortable win over Salubrious looks better in the light of that fellow’s game, if unlucky, run at Ascot. His breeding suggests three-miles is within his stamina range. A reported enforced absence and rejection from Mr McCoy are not encouraging. Given his connections, the market may help us on the day of the race.

Zarkandar is a consistent Grade One/two performer, whose stamina is untested at three-miles. Dam’s sire was also the sire of Kasbah Bliss and Long Walk hero Paddy’s Return raising, hopes in that direction.

Reve De Sivola has a good record over hurdles at Cheltenham. At his best fresh, his chance would be enhanced if the ground is genuinely soft. Whilst he stays three-miles, there is just a suspicion the hill finds him out. His one win at Prestbury Park came when defeating the non-staying Oscar Whiskey, while he arguably was outstayed last year.

Celestial Halo finished second to Solwhit last year. He is another that goes well fresh. Unplaced twice in eight visits to Cheltenham, both came in the Champion Hurdle. A recent run will have blown away the cobwebs; however, he was at least a stone below his best that day.

Salubrious was unlucky at Ascot behind Reve De Sivola when slipping on landing two from home. Whilst improvement is needed, he enjoys Cheltenham and looks worth his place.