Triumph Hurdle

The favourite

Zanahiyr has headed the market since he ran away with a Fairyhouse Grade 3 win by 14 lengths in November, winning from decent performers Saint Sam and Druid’s Altar.

On the clock, it was outstanding, a simple comparison of his race and the Royal Bond on the card showed him passing the post before Ballyadam had jumped the last. He was less impressive at Leopardstown at Christmas but the son of last year’s winning sire, Nathaniel, looks a worthy favourite.

Main opposition

With Gordon Elliott confirming both his runners for the juvenile championship, the question is how good is his number two, Quilixios? Barry Geraghty seemed to suggest Zanahiyr was the best having ridden both in work, but Keith Donoghue in his blog seemed to suggest there’s little between them.

On a strict line of form, Quilixios beat Busselton by a bit farther in the DRF Grade 1 (10 and a half lengths) than Zanahiyr had done at Christmas (gave him 3lbs and a three-and-a-quarter-length beating).

French Aseel was one of the most impressive winners, by 22 lengths, at Christmas and has since moved to the Willie Mullins yard and will go to the Festival with just that juvenile maiden win. It’s a big ask.

The British opposition consists of Agadio and Tritonic. Adagio impressed when beating Nassalam in the Chepstow Grade 1. Tritonic who stayed on well to win in Ascot but both time and performance leave him with a bit to find.

Gordon Elliott also has Duffle Coat involved. He came from a mile back to win over the Cheltenham track in November beating Adagio but it’s hard to put that race in context. Also in the Donnelly colours, Henderson’s Heross Du Seuil won well at Kempton at Christmas, when his main rival fell.

Outsiders to note

The one thing to note with the Triumph is that latecomers can come in and shake up things.

With a lot of racing lost over the last three weeks, something could still appear to shake up the markets.

Solo’s 13-length win in the Adonis Juvenile Hurdle on February 22nd last year saw him go off at 4/1 in the Triumph but he disappointed behind Burning Victory who also made her hurdling debut on that day.

Pentland Hills also only appeared on February 25th before landing the race in 2019. The Mullins-trained Tax For Max in the Souede/Munir colours was campaigned in good company in Germany and is worth keeping note of.

Verdict

The winner has come from the first four in the betting in 11 of the last 16 renewals. Zanahiyr has looked very much a speed horse. He could be another Our Conor and can be primed to see off his stable companion. (AMD)