A race that has been contested by numerous smart types over the years – Tornado Flyer beat Blackbow in 2018 and Colreevy beat Abacadabras in 2019 – but this year’s winner could be as good as any of them, sealing his status as the top bumper performer of 2020/2021 with this run. In contrast to Cheltenham, where Paul Townend on Kilcruit had been outridden by Rachael Blackmore on Sir Gerhard in a very tactical race, this was well-run throughout, Lake Winnipesaukee clear for a long way but the main body of the field going a decent lick, the 100% finishing speed underlining that fact.
KILCRUIT (148 here and previously) put up the bumper performance of the season, and one of the best in this division in recent years, better suited by a well-run race and a positive ride than he had been by a tactical affair and a patient one at Cheltenham, held up going well but moving to the front with fully half a mile to travel, then staying on strongly and ridden until near the finish. There is every chance he will make into a leading novice hurdler next term, most probably at further than 16f in due course, this effort and his Dublin Racing Festival win (in which he kept galloping as others capitulated at the end of a race run at an overly strong pace) two solid pieces of evidence to support that.
O’TOOLE (141 here, 129 previously) is a good prospect for next season, looking even more of a stayer than the winner here, moving into third 3f out and responding to pressure to claim second inside the final 1f. His Fairyhouse win saw him put big margins on his rivals late on, and 20f+ could be required over jumps.
SIR GERHARD (139 here, 144 previously) might have been a bit below form in the end, but he was essentially beaten by a better rival, close enough turning in but gradually left behind and losing second late on. He is less stoutly bred than some bumper performers, and has shown speed from an early stage, so a campaign with the Supreme Novices’, rather than alternatives at further, in mind seems probable.
ERIC BLOODAXE (129 here and previously) ran creditably after an absence, though outpaced from over 3f out.
SUNDRENCHED (122 here, 118 previously), in a tongue tie for the first time, ran well without ever posing much of a threat.
RAMILLIES (112 here, 127 previously) again shaped as if having more ability than suggested by the result, close up until weakening approaching the home straight.
