Deloitte Novice Hurdle (Grade 1) Preview – 7th February

Potential superstar Dunguib has his final prep for Cheltenham in Sundays Deloitte Novice Hurdle and anything less than a resounding victory will be disappointing. Sceptics point to the fact that he has basically been beating the same bunch of horses in his races this season and the presence of Alice Bradys Call and Some Present in Sundays race add fuel to that argument. At the same time Philip Fentons novice can only beat what is put in front of him and he has been doing so impressively to date.

If there is one horse to test Dunguib on Sunday and put his sometimes sketchy jumping under pressure it is likely to be Oliver McKiernans, Whodoyouthink, who was a hugely impressive winner of a maiden hurdle over the course at Christmas. With the early departure of Sundays rival Mr Cracker, he may not have had much to beat,but the way he went about his business really impressed. Making most,he had his field in trouble a long way from home and finished on the bridle. If he is allowed a similar easy lead here then he could make a bold bid from the off.

The presence of Saludos tempers confidence on advising an eachway bet on Whodoyouthink. Jessica Harringtons charge was disappointing last weekend but went close to making all in a grade one at Christmas and if he attempts the same again then himself and McKiernans inmate could cut each others throats setting it up for a late closer like Dunguib. Also I believe that Some Present is better than he showed last time and while Dunguib should again have his measure he is capable of making the frame thus only leaving the one place for those seeking eachway returns.

Summary: Dunguib is impossible to oppose and should take this comfortably. Whodoyouthink is the dark horse in the lineup and if he is not taken on early or settles in behind Saludos then he can make the frame at an eachway price.

Posted by John on February 5, 2010. Filed under Race Previews. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0. You can skip to the end and leave a response. Pinging is currently not allowed.