27th-Dec-2021

I think that Mighty Potter should be clear favourite for the Future Champions Novice Hurdle.

Gordon Elliott’s horse ran really well in the Grade 1 Royal Bond Hurdle at Fairyhouse last time.  The sedate pace of the race didn’t suit him, he was keener than ideal and he was wider than ideal, and he got caught out a little when they quickened.  Wide around the home turn, he moved towards the inside in the home straight when he started to stay on.  Still only fifth jumping the final flight, he stayed on well up the run-in to finish third, beaten just a length by Statuaire, and he would have finished closer if he hadn’t has to be switched late on.

He should progress from that, he should improve for the experience.  He was impressive in winning his bumper and his maiden hurdle, and he should be sharper today than he was last time at Fairyhouse.  That was just his third race.  Also, the stiffer finish and the softer ground should help him.

Largy Debut is a big player, it appeared as if there was no fluke about his defeat of Kilcruit last time, but he is short.  Grangee was good in winning her maiden hurdle last time, and Three Stripe Life will appreciate the rain that fell on Saturday, but Mighty Potter is the bet.

MIGHTY POTTER WON (SP 5/2)