Date: Friday 17th March 2023
The Triumph Hurdle is always one of the trickier Festival races because juvenile form can change very quickly, but there are still a few recurring themes that help narrow things down.
French-bred runners continue to have a big say in the race, Willie Mullins has built a formidable record in the division and the stronger Leopardstown form lines often prove the key. Lightly-raced juveniles with a bit of gears and class are usually the type to focus on.
Using the Turf Talk approach, these are the three that come out best.
TURF TALK RATINGS - LEADING CONTENDERS
| Horse | Turf Talk Rating |
|---|---|
| Lossiemouth | 224 |
| Blood Destiny | 218 |
| Gala Marceau | 207 |
| Zenta | 194 |
| Samuel Spade | 182 |
| Perseus Way | 171 |
| Nusret | 165 |
The ratings are built around Leopardstown juvenile form, French-bred influence, limited but high-quality hurdling experience and whether the horse already looks a proper Grade 1 juvenile rather than just a decent prospect.
MAIN SELECTION
Lossiemouth (11/8 available)
She comes out clear top on the ratings and looks the right sort for a modern Triumph Hurdle.
She had already shown a sparkling turn of foot in good juvenile company and the Leopardstown route has long been one of the strongest pointers into this race. Add in the Mullins factor and the French-bred angle and she makes huge appeal.
BACKUP SELECTION 1
Blood Destiny (9/2 available)
The obvious danger and another Mullins juvenile with a very strong profile.
He had the right blend of pace and scope and looked every inch a Triumph horse. He may not have had quite the same finishing kick as the selection, but the overall profile was very strong.
BACKUP SELECTION 2
Gala Marceau (6/1 available)
Another Mullins runner who fit enough of the strongest trends to make the shortlist.
She had graded juvenile form and the yard’s sheer strength in this race could not be ignored. In a division often dominated by one stable, she looked the next most likely to give the main pair something to think about.
SUMMARY
Lossiemouth tops the ratings and is taken as the main selection, with Blood Destiny the obvious danger and Gala Marceau another Mullins juvenile who made plenty of appeal in a race where stable depth looked crucial.
