Racecards
12:55 Cheltenham
Royal Gloucestershire Hussars Novices' Hurdle (Class A )
- 10 Runners
- Distance: 2m 4f 110y
- Going: Good to Soft
Ambobo (USA)
85- Form 11121
- Age 5
- Weight 11-12
- Trainer A Chaille-Chaille
- Jockey B J Geraghty
tracked leaders, led 2 out, ridden before last, stayed on well run-in
- Form 03-4111
- Age 8
- Weight 11-12
- Official Rating 137
- Trainer Ian Williams
- Jockey D R Dennis
tracked leader, pushed along after 3 out, chased winner from next, stayed on same pace before last
- Form FP41F1
- Age 6
- Weight 11-12
- Official Rating 105
- Trainer J Fox
- Jockey Mr R M P McNally
led to 2 out, weakened rapidly
- Form F22-212
- Age 6
- Weight 11-12
- Official Rating 135
- Trainer P F Nicholls
- Jockey Ruby Walsh
held up, headway 3 out to chase leading pair after 2 out, weakened before last
- Form 11F621
- Age 5
- Weight 11-12
held up in mid-division, blundered 6th, ridden and no impression from 3 out
- Form 111110
- Age 6
- Weight 11-9
- Official Rating 130
- Trainer M C Pipe
- Jockey Timmy Murphy
held up in rear, ridden and struggling from 3 out
- Form 314103
- Age 5
- Weight 11-5
- Official Rating 105
- Trainer S C Burrough
- Jockey R Thornton
in touch, hit 6th, weakened soon after 3 out
- Age 6
- Weight 11-5
- Trainer J Howard Johnson
- Jockey G Lee
keen, held up in rear, steady headway approaching 2 out, went 3rd before last, one pace run-in (will improve)
- Form 31/2024
- Age 7
- Weight 11-5
- Official Rating 121
- Trainer N & W Twiston-Davies
- Jockey Antony Evans
chased leaders until weakened before 2 out
- Form 113212
- Age 7
- Weight 10-12
- Official Rating 126
- Trainer N & W Twiston-Davies
- Jockey C Llewellyn
held up last, not fluent 4th, stayed on under pressure after 2 out to press for 3rd before last, weakened and no impression run-in
In depth
Verdict
This is a fantastic start to a fantastic day of racing at Cheltenham with Brewster, Ladalko, Lady Zephyr, Ambobo, Royal Hector and Moulin Riche all given chances but the vote goes to Lady Zephyr. Brewster comes here as a very progressive type, a point that was franked by virtue of his length-and-three-quarter defeat of previous Grade 2 scorer Ladalko, who reopposes on the same terms here, in Newbury's Grade 1 Challow Hurdle last time. In his previous race, Ladalko had Lady Zephyr two lengths away in third, but Nigel Twiston-Davies' mare is now seven pounds better off at the weights. Consequently, the mare must be granted all due respect, as must Brewster who, having already won over course and distance, will not fear this track. Martin Pipe's multiple winner, Royal Hector, has already proven himself useful and has earned his place in the line-up, while Irish raider Eurochancer displayed good qualities to score at Navan last time, but this looks a step up today, and it is very interesting to see Howard Johnson's Mephisto, who won the Ebor in August, pitched in at the deep end on his hurdling debut. Add into the mix the fact that the French raiders Ambobo and Moulin Riche come here with good reputations then you can see why we feel we have a race to savour. As such, it is hard to be dogmatic in naming the winner but, given her weight pull, we will side with Lady Zephyr.