World Hurdle at Cheltenham Festival 2013
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FSF
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TF
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RPR
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OSCAR WHISKY
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Remains top on ratings thanks to his performances over two and a half-miles this season. Looked to have every chance in the Cleeve Hurdle when just outstayed by Reve De Sivola on the run-in. Given he handled the heavy ground; I am of the opinion he lacks the stamina to win a World Hurdle. Indeed, I believe it to be as much as an issue on good to soft or soft, as it was on heavy. Connections have stated more than once a third Aintree Hurdle is the main target, one wonders if another hard race over three-miles would scupper those hopes.
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149
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167
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170
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QUEVEGA
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Fantastic mare that is likely to bid for a third consecutive win in the Mares Hurdle at the Festival. However, she does hold an entry in the World Hurdle. FSF and Timeform ratings suggest she cannot be discounted if sent in that direction.
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147
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164
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159
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GET ME OUT OF HERE
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At his best, this is a seriously good horse. Second in the 2011 County Hurdle and 2012 Coral Cup as well as the Betfair Hurdle his current FSF rating, reflects the run in the Coral Cup.
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145
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160
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159
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REVE DE SIVOLA
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Reverting to hurdles this seaon, the official handicapper has raised him a total of 24lb. Having run away with the Long Walk Hurdle, he displayed plenty of determination to hold off the challenge of Oscar Whiskey all the way up the run-in. His stamina is without question while he ran two excellent races on good ground at Cheltenham and Punchestown in 2010. To give you some idea how good Big Bucks is, I have Reve De Sivola 11lb behind him despite recent improvement.
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145
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162
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167
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SMAD PLACE
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Yet to fire this season, Smad Place is being brought to a peak with Cheltenham and Aintree in mind. At his best, it is by no means fanciful to suggest he has a good shout.
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144
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159
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161
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BOG WARRIOR
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Returned to hurdles having lost his confidence over fences, Bog Warrior has improved in to a serious staying hurdler. High on confidence his chance would be respected on soft ground. We are in the dark over his ability to handle faster ground, which tempers enthusiasm.
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143
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162
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164
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ZAIDPOUR
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Consistent performer if just below top-class. Appears to enjoy small fields these days.
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143
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161
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166
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RAYA STAR
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A good guide to the form over two and two and a half-miles. However, he is just below the best in either division and now 10lb higher than his last handicap win.
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140
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158
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156
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MONKSLAND
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Lightly raced sort that is improving with age and experience. Finished third in the Neptune last year and cannot be discounted given his progression allied to Cheltenham form and ability to handle the ground.
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140
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163
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161
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SOLWHIT
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Solwhit has returned from injury to show a lot of his old ability. My thought is he would be better waiting for the Aintree Hurdle, a race he won in 2009.
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139
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161
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157
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