in tch, hdw appr 4th, rdn appr 3 out, one pace
led, rdn and appr 2 out, hdd appr last, k on flat
chsd ldrs, msk 4th, sn lost tch
al towards rr, t.o fr 5th, p.u bf 2 out
hld up, std hdw fr 4th, rdn appr 2 out, styd on wl to ld appr last, rdn out flat
Whatever the feeling is about Puntal being rerouted to this easier contest than the Ladbroke Hurdle on Saturday, those who are willing to get involved at the likely cramped odds should not let it hold any sway on the bearing of the outcome here. Puntal looks to be potentially top-class and can be followed here if the indications from the betting ring suggest that he is primed and ready to go on what is his first outing after 153 days off the track. Dumaran is going the right way and is a speedy recruit from the Flat. But he does not make as much appeal as Shalako for the forecast slot and he may be set for a minor role at best today. Shalako had a few problems in his home work before making a winning debut for Phillip Hobbs at Taunton last month. But he had good form on the Flat in Germany and can add to his tally in time. The French form of Foreman may be hard to weight up in the context of this race, but the fact that he has been placed at graded level must bring him into the equation as an each-way proposition today.
