IN SUMMARY: Moon Over Germany has sound credentials after his very creditable second in another Grade 2 contest last month but preference is for SUTTON PLACE (9/4), who was weak in the betting before his hurdle debut at Naas three weeks ago but proved far too good for a decent yardstick in Royal Caviar and looks very exciting. Drumcliff is in at the deep end for his hurdle debut but won a Taunton bumper in good style in December and it will be interesting to see how he fares.
1 Attribution – Has shown some useful form in bumpers and over hurdles but was unable to get Min off the bridle when fitted with cheekpieces for penultimate start and was disappointing when last of five behind Sutton Place this month; now has a point to prove.
2 Babbling Stream – Reached the frame in a Listed bumper in December and made winning hurdle debut with minimal fuss last month, in Naas maiden (2m, soft); completely unexposed in this sphere but Ruby Walsh evidently prefers Royal Caviar.
3 Drumcliff – British-raider who is a half-brother to Simonsig and created good impression when winning newcomers’ bumper on debut at Taunton in December; only third under penalty at Kempton last month and may not be straightforward, but it’s interesting that Harry Fry deems him worthy of a place in this line-up on first start over hurdles.
4 General Principle – Dual bumper winner who made pleasing start to hurdling career when winning Navan maiden (2m, soft to heavy) last month; beaten at short odds when upped to 2m6f a fortnight ago but that race became tactical and he remains one to be interested in.
5 Jett – 0-4 in bumpers; came good when upped to 2m4f for last month’s hurdle debut at Leopardstown and could easily have a lot more to offer in this sphere, but he’ll need to improve quite a bit on that bare form to land this prize.
6 Moon Over Germany – One of two to draw well clear of the others when winning Navan maiden in December and travelled well for a long way when second in Grade 2 event at Naas (2m, soft to heavy) last month; probably sets the form standard and is expected to be in the thick of things.
7 Royal Cavier – Comes here after finishing second in two Listed events this year but is held by Sutton Place on latest piece of form and has only a Thurles maiden win to his name from five starts over hurdles; has the assistance of Ruby Walsh but needs to up his game.
8 Sutton Place – Comfortably won a course bumper in January and made excellent start to hurdling career when taking Naas Listed contest (2m, soft to heavy) by over 6l this month; looks an exciting prospect and needs to be taken very seriously.
myracing Forecast Prices: 15/8 Sutton Place, 3/1 Moon Over Germany, 7/1 General Principle, Royal Caviar, 10/1 Babbling Stream, Drumcliff, 12/1 Jett, 16/1 Attribution