held up in rear but well in touch, steady headway from 16th, chased leaders after 3 out, no impression on winner when left 2nd before last
held up in rear, stayed on under pressure from 4 out, never able to challenge
tracked leaders, chased winner 4 out, 4 lengths down and no impression when mistake 2 out, pulled up and dismounted
tracked leaders, left rein broke after 3rd and hit inside rail,led next, made rest, clear from 2 out, came right away approaching last
led to 4th, stayed chasing winner to 4 out, weakened next
prominent, mistake 2nd, weakened and behind from 16th
close up until weakened and mistake 4 out
From 27 entries this has cut up quite badly, but it gives us a chance to see the reappearance of the promising Kingscliff, who took the Hunter Chase scene by storm last season. Having been allotted a mark of 130, this looks an ideal opening for Robert Alner's six-year-old, as he is taking on exposed rivals and he should prove much too good for them on thee terms. Hours, himself a useful former pointer, quickly made up into a useful handicapper, winning his first three races in that sphere, before the assessor got his measure. He is now back down to a mark only 1lb higher than when last successful and can make the frame. Exit To Wave hasn't won over fences since his novice days and has failed to complete in his last three outings, while Bramblehill Duke is another whose jumping often leaves something to be desired. Druid's Glen hasn't always looked straightforward, but his is more than capable if on a going day, but Silver Streak looks to have lost his way having completed only once in his last four racecourse visits. So, with so many doubts about his rivals, the way looks clear for Kingscliff to continue winning ways.
