Expert Analysis

The juvenile hurdling division in Ireland is not especially deep so far this campaign, but the best two – possibly three – so far were present in this and Fil Dor put up his most convincing display yet in beating Lunar Power by further than at Fairyhouse and while carrying a penalty. That said, this was run in a slow time – easily slowest of the four two-milers on the card – and with a 109.3% finishing speed, the late sectionals not as impressive as shown by Sir Gerhard in a similarly run affair 35 minutes earlier, so a degree of caution is suggested: Fil Dor’s post-race rating is fractionally behind that of Iceo, an impressive winner at Kempton the following day.     

FIL DOR (h147 here, 141 previously) won this with authority, notwithstanding reservations about the time merit of the performance, and cemented his position as the best juvenile hurdler seen so far in Ireland, close up, going well when leading between the last 2, a bit messy there but soon on top. He might have problems up against a really good juvenile but there are very few of them around so far.   

LUNAR POWER (h134 here, 139 previously) was probably a bit below the form he had shown when filling the same berth behind Fil Dor at Fairyhouse, nonetheless confirming himself as useful, dictating a steady pace, headed between the last 2 and one paced. He should stay further.

BRITZKA (h129 here and previously) ran to the same level as when beating Scenic Look at Fairyhouse, possibly still capable of better, though it has to be said he was exposed and fairly limited on the flat. He tracked the pace, made a mistake 2 out and was tapped for toe before running on nicely again on the run-in.

SCENIC LOOK (h117 here, 115 previously) looked like finishing closer for a long way, though that was in part a function of the messy gallop, close up and disputing the lead briefly 2 out before being put in her place.

SIX FEET APART (h114 here, 119 previously) ran no more than respectably again and may need her sights lowered.

CALVADOS (h110 here, 117 previously) is already exposed as average as a hurdler, a bit below form in this but essentially outclassed.

REBEL STEP (h116 here, ? previously) pulled too hard but was not beaten all that far with the pace slow for a long way. He was above average on the flat but essentially a miler.