Friday, December 18, 2015

Ascot's Long Walk Hurdle 2015

After a few Christmas beverages, I confess I haven't studied the form as closely as I should have...

Reve De Sivola bids to win Ascot's Long Walk Hurdle for the fourth consecutive time. Beaten a neck by Saphir Du Rheu in the Cleeve Hurdle last January, he meets that opponent four pounds better off here. Saphir Du Rheu is reverting to hurdles after finishing fifth in the Hennessy last month.

Connections thought Thistlecrack would need the run at Newbury three weeks ago but he still won well beating Deputy Dan six lengths. The second tries again four pounds worse at the weights having never won beyond two miles five.

Thistlecrack is open to improvement and probably the percentage call but Reve De Sivola has scored twice for the blog in this particular race; Reve De Sivola (9/2) gets the nod - further rain would help the cause.

In the Silver Cup at 3.00 I shall keep an eye on Katenko after 14 months on the sidelines. Venetia Williams' charge was second in this race in 2012 and won off this mark at Cheltenham in January 2013. Stable jockey Aidan Coleman takes the ride prefering Katenko to the apparently out-of-form Houblon Des Obeaux who came home ninth in the Hennessy last time.
 

3 comments:

Sandracer said...

Backed it at SP. Gonna win @ 6's Geedee

GeeDee said...

Honourable effort, Sandracer, but unfortunately no repeat performance this time.

Have a good Christmas!

Geedee

GeeDee said...

Late money for selection Reve De Sivola (11/4) who ran his usual game race from the front.

Thistlecrack (2/1f) was in his slipstream off the home turn with the rest of the field beaten - Tom Scudamore sent Colin Tizzard's charge about his business two out and the favourite readily obliged, beating the selection some eight lengths.

An impressive performance from Thistlecrack who is now clear favourite for the World Hurdle in March (as short as 5/2 with William Hill) while reigning champion Cole Harden is quoted at 10/1.