Whatcouldhavebeen

Noted here two weeks ago when she won her maiden hurdle at Fairyhouse, Whatcouldhavebeen is worthy of another mention now after another big run in the Grade 3 Solerina Novice Hurdle back at Fairyhouse on Saturday.
This was a massive step up in grade for Jarlath Fahey’s mare, into a Grade 3 contest after winning a maiden, and taking on Ashroe Diamond and Halka Du Tabert, and it was a step that almost paid handsome dividends for her connections as she was only beaten a head for third place by Halka Du Tabert, behind Ashroe Diamond. The race wasn’t run to suit her either, they didn’t go a great pace early on. They were all stacked up as they raced to the home turn and, while Whatcouldhavebeen got caught a little flat-footed when they quickened, she stayed on strongly down the outside to finish fourth, beaten a total of less than three lengths. And she might have finished third had she not been slightly impeded when the winner jumped to her left in front of her at the final flight.

It was obviously worth a go at black type here, even though she was a 40/1 shot, but, as noted two weeks ago, Whatcouldhavebeen could improve now for a step up in trip. She stayed the extended two and a quarter miles well last time, and she was going on again at the finish once more here over the same course and distance. A winner over a mile and a half on soft ground on the flat, a 72-rated performer on the flat, she will be of interest now again over hurdles wherever she goes, especially if she steps up in trip. She is only five and has raced just four times over hurdles, so she retains plenty of scope for progression.
Fairyhouse, 28^th January 2023