held up behind, headway 4 out, kept on from 2 out, not trouble leaders
held up in touch, effort 3 out, ridden and stayed on from 2 out
close up until weakened after 8th
prominent until weakened after 7th, tailed off
in rear, lost touch 6th, soon beaten and tailed off
pulled hard, tracked leader, effort 4 out, weakened after 3 out
held up rear, kept on from 2 out, never dangerous
held up mid-division, weakened after 6th, tailed off
led until headed after 3 out, soon weakened
in rear, ridden and weakened 6th, tailed off
prominent, led approaching 2 out, ridden clear after last
behind, lost touch 7th, soon beaten and pulled up before 2 out
held up in touch, weakened after 7th, tailed off
prominent, led after 3 out, headed approaching 2 out, ran on same pace
A competitive contest gets proceedings underway with many in form rivals in opposition including Bay Kenny, Trabolgan and Bision King and we will take a chance on Trabolgan. The gelding from the in form Nicky Henderson yard fell on his hurdling debut but he was a fair sort in bumpers. He is sure to have been well schooled since his fall and if his confidence has not ben effected he is taken to score under conditions that suit. Bay Kenny won a bumper in good style last time out when defeating Alderburn and he has definite place claims if he transfers that ability to hurdles. Bison King is also worthy of respect as at least he has experience over hurdles. He was a fair third behind Bob Ar Aghaidh last time. However the Nicky Henderson trained Tollbre was second in that race so he should know where he stands as regards to Trabolgan. Of the remainder Rowley Hill looked a certain future winner when fourth in a bumper behind Graphic Approach last time but he is bred to be suited by further and may do better in time. So the confident vote goes to Trabolgan.