Friday, December 21, 2012

Ascot Long Walk Hurdle

Busted for time this evening after Christmas beverages (hic)...

With Big Buck's out for the remainder of the season, the Long Walk  has the look of an open contest. I'm not convinced favourite Smad Place will stay the trip (particularly on heavy ground) so Trustan Times is the selection whilst Cucumber Run (14/1) appeals as the each-way wager provided eight make it to the start.

Happy Christmas everyone!

1 comment:

GeeDee said...

Simon Holt described the going at Ascot 'attritional'.

The field handed Kayf Aramis and Reve De Sivola an easy lead for the first half of this contest. That lead had all but evaporated after the seventh flight as Kayf Aramis folded tamely but eventual winner Reve De Sivola (9/2) was clearly enjoying himself and was ridden with supreme confidence by Richard Johnson.

At the home turn Smad Place (15/8f) and Trustan Times (11/4) looked close enough if good enough but neither were as Johnson quickly put the race to bed on the leader while the favourite beat the selection for second place by 8 lengths.

An impressive performance by the winner although I can't help wondering if things might have turned out different if the chasing pack hadn't given the leaders so much rope early on...

Reve De Sivola is now 12/1 for the World Hurdle in March - William Hill offer just 8s.

Only seven made the start but Cucumber Run (12/1) found this step up in class far too hot to handle and was tailed off, beaten a distance and some.