Franchoek Beaten
Franchoek the next Hurdling star from the Alan King stable had their first defeat at the Boylesport meeting but remains favourite for the Juvenile Novices' Hurdle at Cheltenham come March. Franchoek is also in the Triumph Hurdle betting at odds of around 10/1. Franchoek was forced to cut out his own running. While the pace was sound enough, he's clearly best travelling well just off a furious gallop, like when winning on his previous run.A stablemate of Katchit, Franchoek remained ante-post favourite for the Triumph Hurdle despite defeat by Harper Valley, who was receiving 7lb from the runner-up. A progressive stayer on the Flat, Franchoek was seen to better effect off a ragged pace last time (quicker time). He is sure to get that in the Triumph and he remains a leading player.
Harper Valley, officially better on the Flat in Ireland than Franchoek, had not been beaten far in two decent novices, including a Grade 3 last time. The fitting of blinkers initially lit him up but produced the right response as he drew impressively clear with the winner in the straight. He was on top coming to the last and was firmly on top in the last 50 yards. He is a bigger horse than the winner and is seenas a chaser in the making by connections.
His Triumph Hurdle price (currently 20-1 with Totesport, while Franchoek is 9-1), is disproportionate on this form as both impressed and there was no fluke about the winner.
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