held up in touch, blundered badly 7th, good headway to lead after 4 out, ridden clear approaching last
close up, led briefly 4 out, soon ridden, weakened after 3 out
always behind, mistake 6th, tailed off when pulled up before last
close up, ridden and weakened from 7th
chased leaders to3rd, weakened from 7th
held up in touch, ridden and weakened from 3 out
in touch, ridden after 4 out, soon weakened, blundered badly last, pulled up
disputed lead, headed 4 out, soon ridden and weakened
held up behind, weakened from 7th
Paddy The Piper, Only Once and Geri Roulette looks the three to concentrate on in a competitive start to the card and the vote goes to Paddy The Piper. Len Lungo sets a poser here by sending two progressive sorts to the start in the shape of Paddy The Piper and the unbeaten Only Once. The selection won well last time out at Kelso when defeating Kimbambo by an easy five lengths, and with stable jockey Tony Dobbin on board he looks the one to beat. His stable-mate Only Once is unbeaten in two chases to date and it's interesting to note that his shrewd trainer switches him to novice hurdles here. But this may be a stepping stone before being sent back over the larger obstacles. Geri Roulette showed improved form to defeat Double Deal at Newcastle last time, but that was on heavy ground and her form on a slightly firmer surface suggests she has a bit to find. Of the remainder, Speed Kris has shown a modicum of ability in better races and could run well at a price, but for the winner we return to Paddy The Piper.
