led, not always fluent, ridden and headed after 2 out, weakened flat
held up, went 3rd from 2nd, challenged going well last, shaken up to lead flat, soon ridden, headed and found little towards finish
chased leader, ridden before 2 out, led before last, headed narrowly flat, led again towards finish, stayed on gamely
chased leaders, took keen hold, steadied 2nd, closed after 4 out, led after 2 out, headed before last, one pace flat
held up in rear, not fluent 3rd, outpaced from after 4 out
Donald McCain has won this in the last two years and has trained the winner in three of the last six years so it's likely Venue will make a bold bid to follow up an easy win at Hexham. He's yet to finish out of the first two in his four runs over timber but carries a double penalty whereas Curious Carlos avoids the extra with his win coming in a conditionals' race at Uttoxeter. HURRICANE HIGGINS was third in the Doncaster Cup in 2012 and, while his recent form on Polytrack suggests he isn't quite that good nowadays, he should still have enough to make a winning debut over hurdles, though will probably need further in time.
Venue 2-5fav (11-4) Led after 1st, clear approaching last, easily, won at Hexham 2m nh nov hdl (4) gd beating Towerburn (10-5) by 6l, 8 ran.
Curious Carlos 6-5fav (11-0) Tracked leaders, closed 3 out, challenged going well 2 out, led approaching last, shaken up flat, easily, won at Uttoxeter 2m cond mdn hdl (5) sft beating Detroit Blues (11-0) by 3l, 3 ran.
Hurricane Higgins (IRE) 7-2 (9-5) Held up, ridden and headway approaching 2f out, no impression final furlong, 5th of 11, 2 1/2l behind Mymatechris (9-1) at Lingfield 2m cnd stks (4yo+) (2) pol in Apr (flat).
Hepijeu (FR) 12-1 (11-4) Tracked leaders in 5th, weakened before 3 out, tailed off, 8th of 9, 41l behind Ozzy Thomas (11-10) at Towcester 2m hcp hdl 0-120 (4) gd in Mar.
Theatre Act 25-1 (10-1) Prominent, under pressure over 4f out, weakened over 2f out, 8th of 12, 38l behind Lolli (10-12) at Market Rasen 2m 1f mrs NH flat (4-7yo) (6) gd in Apr.
