Racecards
16:45 Newbury
Curzon Partnership Novices' Hurdle (Class D)
- 12 Runners
- Distance: 2m 110y
- Going: Good, Good to Soft in places
Almaydan
37- Form 421
- Age 6
- Weight 11-6
- Trainer R Lee
- Jockey R Thornton
in touch on inside, going well 3 out, ridden approaching 2 out, not quicken, one pace approaching last
Self Defense
11- Form P-12400
- Age 7
- Weight 11-6
- Trainer Miss E C Lavelle
- Jockey F Keniry
tracked leaders, disputed lead 3 out, ridden to lead approaching 2 out, ridden out
- Age 7
- Weight 11-0
- Trainer Miss L Siddall
- Jockey T Siddall
held up towards rear, ridden 4th, pulled up before 2 out
- Form 0R50
- Age 5
- Weight 11-0
- Trainer C J Mann
- Jockey N D Fehily
always in rear, lost touch 4 out
Kadoun (FR)
21- Form 10-1103
- Age 5
- Weight 11-0
led, headed 3rd, led again 4th, ridden unchallenged 3 out, soon headed, weakened
- Age 5
- Weight 11-0
- Trainer G & J Moore
- Jockey J E Moore
held up towards rear, headway to track leaders 4th, ridden 4 out, weakened 3 out
- Form 23152
- Age 6
- Weight 11-0
- Trainer Mrs M Reveley
- Jockey Timmy Murphy
held up in rear, moderate progress from 4 out, not reach leaders
- Form 44/
- Age 7
- Weight 11-0
- Trainer Mrs H Rees
- Jockey M Batchelor
tracked leaders, ridden and lost place 4th, behind when pulled up before 2 out
- Form 06
- Age 5
- Weight 11-0
- Trainer Mary Meek
- Jockey Stephen Craine
mid-division, ridden and weakened before 4 out
- Form 55
- Age 7
- Weight 11-0
- Trainer M Madgwick
- Jockey J Goldstein
tracked leader, led briefly 3rd, ridden 4 out, weakening when mistake 3 out
- Age 4
- Weight 10-7
- Trainer D R Gandolfo
- Jockey Jimmy McCarthy
mid-division, ridden approaching 4 out, weakened 3 out, pulled up before 2 out
- Age 4
- Weight 10-7
towards rear, ridden and brief effort 4 out to go mid-division, weakened 2 out
In depth
Verdict
The vote here goes to Self Defense over Almaydan and Alaared. Last year's Champion Hurdle fourth, Self Defense, has looked to have lost his way a little of late, but there is no doubt that he has an outstanding chance chance if anywhere near his best. The previous winners Almaydan, Kadoun and Rambling Minster have all to be considered although, to be fair, their form is not out of the ordinary, with the best of them possibly proving to be Almaydan. German winner Kashimo could be interesting from the Gary Moore stable, while Alaared proved good enough to win a 12-furlong Newmarket maiden last August and, sure to have been well schooled, should go well. Overall, though, Self Defense gets the nod.