always tracking leaders, led approaching 3 out, mistakes 2 out and last, stayed on well flat
led to 2nd, ridden and weakened 9th, behind when pulled up before next
mid-division to 5th, behind when pulled up before 7th
led 2nd, headed 3 out, soon ridden and weakened
held up towards rear, headway approaching 10th, pressed winner 2 out, soon ridden, kept on same pace
always behind, tailed off when pulled up before 3 out
held up, headway and blundered badly 6th, behind from 10th, pulled up before 3 out
mid-division, headway 10th, ridden approaching 2 out, one pace
chased leaders, ridden approaching 3 out, weakened quickly and pulled up after next
chased leaders, ridden approaching 10th, soon weakened, pulled up before 2 out
always towards rear, tailed off when pulled up before 3 out
held up and behind, some headway 3 out, soon ridden and weakened
mid-division to 9th, soon behind, pulled up before next
A line through Nicky Henderson's Slooghy suggests that Cowboyboots has the beating of likely favourite Murphy's Cardinal but there are strong reasons for dispelling that theory. Most paramount of those is that the Lawrence Wells-trained runner failed to build on his 19 length defeat of Slooghy (handicap winner off a mark of 112 at Newbury last week) at Fontwell when a 30 length third behind Tees Components at Doncaster subsequently. Murphy's Cardinal by comparison has done nothing wrong since beating the Henderson horse on his hurdling debut at Folkestone in December, running out a 29 length winner of a better race on a return visit to the same course last month. Undefeated following three career starts, he looks an improving gelding and can maintain his unbeaten record. Of the others Alan King's Alleged Slave ran well after a long absence when chasing home Master McGrath at Chepstow last month and provided he does not suffer from the "bounce" factor has to be considered a danger along with Flat racing recruit Quedex, who has found one too good in his two starts over hurdles so far. By Degree showed his first worthwhile form when second to Supreme Prince at Wincanton earlier this month but this is tougher. The remainder make limited appeal.
