Sat, December 28, 2024

REGENT'S STROLL (5) remains unbeaten following an easy 9L maiden hurdle victory on reappearance at the track. He looks in peak condition to contend with the longer journey. And a bold bid seems inevitable. Races for a stable who have won the last four renewals. THE NEW LION (6) also steps up in grade following an emphatic 3L course and distance triumph last month making it three wins from three starts. Not much separates the pair and the market can guide. BILL JOYCE (1) looks a top hurdler in the making and arrives hot off the heels of a 5L hurdling success in a G2 at Sandown. Leading player. IT'S HARD TO KNOW (4) has made all in both hurdle runs to date and now enters the realm of elite competition. Needs to improve to trouble the main protagonists here but could spring a surprise.