World Hurdle
First Pass
Big Buck's and Sentry Duty are all I have after key trends
Second Pass
Big Buck's
23%, ave-good season
3/38, -18.00pts
Equal to best staying hurdlers of last 20yrs, complete package with opposition weaker than perhaps may have been
Will get beaten one day but is this the day?
Sentry Duty
23%, v good season
4/58, -18.25pts
Tailed off at last two festivals, doesn't have qualifying RPR, not won Graded hurdle & must prove stamina
Has big chance if runs well, stamina doubts
Third Pass
Read those comments above and ask yourself if you'd spend the time analysing the two fancies in more detail. Big Buck's gets praised all over the shop while Sentry Duty has a lot to prove. Big Buck's is also well clear on key trends
Other
Last 3 winners aged 9yo or orlder were previous winners of this race
No 5yo has won this race but 4/9 placed
Five winners 1st or 2nd LTO
Rare for prev year's winner to return - Baracouda (1st, 2nd) and Inglis Drever (1st) only ones to have tried in past decade
All four Irish winners since mid-80s prepped in Boyne Hurdle - War of Attrition, Ebadiyan
Long Distance and Long Walk Hurdles both good guide to winner here - Big Buck's won both
Cleeve Hurdle another good indicator - Tidal Bay
Conclusions
Big Buck's all the way, simple as that