Winning Fair Juvenile Hurdle (Grade 2) Preview

Alaivan bids to get his Triumph Hurdle challenge back on track when he faces seven rivals in Saturdays Grade 2 Winning Fair Juvenile Hurdle at Fairyhouse. Having been ultra impressive on his Gowran debut, the Thomas Barr-owned 4-y-o was comprehensively defeated by Carlito Brigante on his next start, but that form may well be stronger than was believed at the time.

The winner followed up on his next start and is now a general second favourite for the Cheltenham race while fourth placed Cross Appeal ran another Triumph hopeful, Pittoni, much closer at Leopardstown on his latest run. These lines of form are by far the strongest on the Irish juvenile scene and it will be a major surprise if Alaivan does not emerge victorious on Saturday.

Big Game Hunter finished third in the aforementioned Leopardstown contest won by Pittoni, and – on the book at least – there is no reason why he should prove better than Alaivan. He is improving, and may be capable of reaching the frame at an each-way price. Big Game Hunter appears to hold Shanrod on that latest run and although the two ex French horses, Gallilei and Politeo ‘could be anything’, Big Game Hunter looks the each-way play.

Summary: Anything other than an impressive win for Alaivan will be disappointing, with Big Game Hunter suggested as the each-way value.

Posted by John on February 19, 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.