Timeform Daily: Holloway’s Hurdle, Saturday Ascot 14:55

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21 January 2011 /
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Soldatino: Bidding to maintain his unbeaten record over hurdles

“Soldatino was sharply progressive last spring and is almost certainly capable of better again, especially over this sort of trip. “

Triumph Hurdle winner Soldatino returns to the fray in this valuable handicap hurdle…

Lough Derg is a tough front runner on his day and won this race in 2008 and 2009. He seemed to return to form when second to Big Buck’s at Newbury last time, but had the run of the race there.

Walkon lost just twice (to Zaynar both times) during a fine 2008/9 campaign, winning Grade 1 at Aintree on his final start that season. His yard is in fine form ahead of this belated return. First preference 2.05 Haydock.

Soldatino is unbeaten in three starts over hurdles, signing off last season by taking the Triumph Hurdle. He is sure to be at least as well suited by this trip and has not finished improving by any means.

Bygones of Brid is a free-goer who won three times last season and was impressive in a Grade 2 at Kelso in March. He has been rather in and out this term and fell early in the Lanzarote Hurdle last weekend. He looks to have plenty on from current mark.

Notus de La Tour is a ex-French gelding whose second in the Fred Winter off a 7 lb lower mark looks strong form. He was laboured when last seen at Aintree in April, but is sure to be ready now for last year’s winning connections.

Shalone‘s only defeat in bumpers/novice hurdles came at the hands of Diamond Harry, but his career has been interrupted by injury since. He had been off 13 months before finishing third to Zaynar in December 2009, and has not been seen again since.

Frascati Park is a front runner who has been right back to his best when winning his last two starts, including over CD. He starts out in handicaps on a fair mark, but is best when dominating, and that will be tough here.

Warne’s Way is hard to predict but has been back to his best of late, winning handicaps at Fontwell and Towcester. He is effective with or without headgear, and is capable of handling a 9 lb rise if in the mood.

Spear Thistle is a mud-loving front runner who was fit from the Flat when bouncing back to form to beat a reluctant Numide at Leicester in November. He was able to dominate that day, and won’t be afforded that luxury here.

Sophies Trophy won a brace of novice hurdles in March and was better still with a tongue tie refitted when second to the impressive Mille Chief at Sandown last time. The step back up in trip will suit.

Advisor won his first two starts over hurdles, but developed a breathing problem and underwent an operation in the summer. He took a jumpers bumper in December, but again shaped as if amiss at Exeter last time. Blinkers are now tried.

Tiger O’Toole improved in the spring, winning his third race of 2010 on lively ground at Stratford in May. He didn’t shape too badly behind Mille Chief on return from a break at Sandown last time, but the trip a concern.

Sire Collonges made a promising debut when making all in 4-y-o hurdle at Auteuil for Guy Cherel in April. That form is hard to weigh up on British bow, but he represents a powerful yard and the market will be informative.

Lucaindubai made all to register hurdle wins at Newton Abbot and Ffos Las earlier in the season. He ran well on handicap debut at Cheltenham in October, but was below form there the following month and has work to do from 5 lb out of weights.

Timeform 1-2-3:
1. Soldatino
2. Notus de La Tour
3. Sire Collonges

Timeform View: Soldatino was sharply progressive last spring and is almost certainly capable of better again, especially over this sort of trip. Fellow 5-y-os Notus de La Tour and Sire Collonges are the most intriguing of his rivals.

Timeform Daily: Holloway’s Hurdle, Saturday Ascot 14:55