always behind, tailed off when pulled up before 3 out
held up, mistake 4th, headway 6th, mistake 3 out, ridden and every chance 2 out, weakened and hit last
chased leaders, ridden approaching 5th, soon weakened
towards rear, pushed along approaching 4th, hard ridden and headway approaching 3 out, led approaching last, stayed on
behind from 3rd
led, not fluent 5th and 6th, ridden and headed approaching 2 out, weakened approaching last
held up, steady headway 4th, ridden and every chance approaching last, one paced flat
chased leader, led approaching 2 out, ridden and headed approaching last, weakened flat
mid-division, ridden after 6th, soon weakened
always behind, tailed off when pulled up before 3 out
chased leader, mistake 4th and 5th, ridden after 6th, soon weakened
The Laurel Pub Company Top Novices' hurdle has drawn together a closely matched field for punters to get to grips with. Don Fernando was still going well when he was brought down in the Triumph Hurdle at Cheltenham last month, and he is sure to attract plenty of support from the ring. However, he was not the most straightforward of characters on the Flat and, as he is yet to race away from Prestbury Park since he transferred to the jumps, he has undoubted ability but is no certainty to act on this flatter track. Caracciola was well held in a Grade 2 at Kempton last time but returns to a more realistic level today. He holds Jaboune on Newbury form from earlier in the season and he gets is selected to add to his tally here. Glenhaven Nugget and Limerick Boy are others to consider but Man O' Mystery was given this race as a target after his victory at Market Rasen last month, and is one to watch out for in the betting.
