Klassical Dream
30th April 2019 – Punchestown – Willie Mullins said post-race that he would like to think he was up to Champion Hurdle level next season. He was brilliant at Cheltenham both visually and on the clock compared with the Champion Hurdle itself. Perhaps he was less flashy here but he did settle better which is a big plus for next season. He was also suited to the rain softened ground. Perhaps we would be seeing him in a lesser light if the rain had not fallen before each of his two latest successes. Ruby stated after his Leopardstown success that he is a horse that will need winter soft ground to be at his best. This might be something to remember one day next season if he is trading very short when competing on a faster surface against a worthy rival.
Felix Desjy
30th April 2019 – Punchestown – He led all the way until the favourite went past him with two to jump. He has endured the busier time of the first two home and can be marked up as a result.
Mister Blue Sky
30th April 2019 – Punchestown – It is possible that he has improved significantly since his last run; equally likely that he is flattered with his finishing position due to the failings of others.
Quick Grabim
30th April 2019 – Punchestown – He has been off a long while and it probably showed here. His jumping lacked fluency and he was beaten a long way from home as a result. He was not given the hardest of times once beaten and will probably improve significantly on this on another day.
Champagne Platinum
30th April 2019 – Punchestown – He was one paced and beaten before two out and I suspect this might be the last we see of him over hurdles.
Aramon
30th April 2019 – Punchestown – He made a mistake down the far side but that was not what made the difference here. I strongly suspect the going was too soft form him again and, although he is unlikely to be the best hurdler we see next season, he should win a good prize when he gets his conditions.
