/ Timeform / 29 January 2011 / Leave a Comment 
Grands Crus: Ready to strike upped in class?
"Grands Crus has appealed as a potential World Hurdle challenger since winning at Haydock in November, and gets a chance to prove his credentials here."
Several pretenders to the World Hurdle crown of Big Buck's clash in this fascinating renewal of the Cleeve Hurdle...
Cristal Bonus was a smart hurdler when trained in France, winning four times over there. He was sold for €285,000, and made a promising British debut behind Menorah here last month. He is unproven beyond 19f, though, and this looks tough.
Fair Along seemed as good as ever when landing a second successive West Yorkshire Hurdle in October, and has run well here before. He is possibly best fresh these days, so the absence since his latest run is not a concern.
Grands Crus has been most impressive in landing both starts in handicaps this season, over 21f here from For Non Stop, and then by an easy 10 lengths in a fixed brush event at Haydock last time. He is ready for this rise in class now.
Restless Harry proved a thoroughly game front-running novice last season. He put a modest effort in the Relkeel Hurdle behind him when a running-on third to Big Buck's at Newbury, and should give his running once more.
Spirit River developed into a smart hurdler last season, producing easily his best effort when landing the Coral Cup here. He has come to grief on both chase starts this season, but is respected reverting to hurdles for his in-form yard.
Arcalis is getting on a bit, but still proved useful in handicaps last season when placed in both the County Hurdle and Scottish Champion. He was not beaten far in third by Big Buck's over 3m at Newbury in November, but was probably flattered in steadily-run race.
Ballyfoy is a useful handicap chaser who missed all 2008/9 but returned to win twice on heavy at Lingfield last winter. He was well held in the Welsh National last time, and looks outclassed back over hurdles.
Benbane Head is a point/bumper winner who won a 25f novice hurdle here in October 2009. He was absent for a year before finishing down the field in the Silver Trophy at Chepstow on his return. He fell heavily last time, and is best left alone now.
Bensalem is yet to finish out of the first two under Rules when completing, and was a good second to Quevega on his return to hurdles at Punchestown in April. He is respected on that, but makes a late return, and may well be rusty.
Gwanako has become accident-prone over fences, falling two out on both chase starts here this season. He did well returned to hurdles when fourth to Ashkazar over C&D last time, but faces a tough task in this company.
Hills of Aran was not discredited in handicaps on his second and third runs back from a long absence earlier this season, but hasn't impressed with his attitude since, including tried in cheekpieces at Kempton two weeks ago.
Kayf Aramis has been a tough and reliable stayer over the last couple of years, running up to his best when second to Fair Along at Wetherby in October. His limitations are rather exposed however, and others make more appeal now.
Knockara Beau is a useful hurdler and proved very reliable in his first season over fences, winning three times, but has been let down by sloppy jumping lately. He faces a stiff task returned to hurdles, and it's easy to look elsewhere.
Mobaasher was a smart hurdler when trained by Paul Nicholls. He was not as good over fences last term, but has returned to his best over smaller obstacles on his last two starts, winning a handicap at Warwick last time. He is back up in class, and cheekpieces are tried for the first time.
Organisateur has recorded three of his four wins over hurdles at Taunton, but he was a good second over 2m here in October and improved again to be second in the Lanzarote at Kempton (21f) two weeks ago. More still will be required at this trip.
Sweet Seville has moved yards several times since winning a2½m Worcester hurdle in June 2009. He was back on the scoresheet at Fakenham for his new stable 12 days ago, but this entry looks very optimistic.
Timeform 1-2-3:
1. Grands Crus
2. Spirit River
3. Restless Harry
Timeform View: Grands Crus has appealed as a potential World Hurdle challenger since winning at Haydock in November, and gets a chance to prove his credentials here. Spirit River is an obvious danger on his return to hurdles, whilst Restless Harry won't be found wanting for resolution and makes each-way appeal.
Nick's backing an improving horse to do the business at Cheltenham today in his win and place special bet, will you follow?...
Racecourse: Doncaster First Race Time: 12:40 Going: Good, Good to Firm in places Other Information: SECOND INSPECTION AT 9:30. -3ºC overnight, -2ºC at 6.30am, top temperature today 2-3ºC. The whole course was covered after the last race yesterday....
Racecourse: Lingfield Park First Race Time: 12:50 Going: Standard...
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