tracked leaders, ridden to chase winner approaching 3 out, every chance last, kept on run-in
held up, headway 4 out, weakened from 2 out
always towards rear, tailed off when pulled up before 3 out
prominent, weakened from 5th
always behind, tailed off when pulled up before 3 out
held up, headway to go prominent 4th, weakened approaching 3 out
tracked leaders, led 5th, under pressure last, driven out
led to 5th, weakened 3 out
mid-division, lost place from 4th
held up in touch, outpaced 4 out, rallied next, kept on from last
held up towards rear, ridden 5th, soon struggling
with leader, jumped slow 4th, ridden approaching 3 out, no impression
tracked leaders, weakened from 3rd, tailed off when pulled up before 3 out
Blue Buster has made a promising start to hurdling and can make it third time lucky, Nerone and Reseda are two others expected to go well. Mick Easterby's bumper winner hasn't been beaten far in two decent enough races at Kelso and Market Rasen this season. He acts well on the soft ground and has to be the selection in a weak looking affair. Nerone returns to novice company having performed with credit in a handicap last time and can make his presence felt this afternoon. Reseda hasn't raced for over a year but has solid form and is from a yard that is amongst the winners. Meanwhile Calfraz landed a juvenile hurdle over course and distance last month and may do best of the others. However Blue Buster is progressing nicely and can take his first hurdle event.
Blue Buster 11-4fav (10-11) In touch, ridden to chase winner approaching 2 out, stayed on and no impression, 2nd of 14, 6l behind Waterloo Son (11-0) at Market Rasen 2m 3f mdn hdl (F) gs in Dec.
Calculaite 66-1 (11-3) Mid-division, headway 5th, outpaced next, soon beaten, 9th of 18, 36l behind Harmony Brig (11-10) at Newcastle 2m nov hdl (5) sft.
Endless Power (IRE) 66-1 (11-0) Prominent, ridden 4 out, soon weakened, 7th of 17, well behind Rasharrow (11-5) at Ayr 2m nov hdl (D) sft in Nov.
Inch High 40-1 (11-3) In touch, ridden after 3 out, soon weakened, 10th of 15, 46l behind Rojabaa (11-5) at Leicester 2m nov clm hdl (4) gd.
Insubordinate 20-1 (8-5) Dwelt, towards stands' side, never dangerous, 9th of 16, 8l behind Inter Vision (9-5) at Newcastle 6f hcp (5) gd in Jun (Flat).
Kiwijimbo (IRE) 100-1 (11-5) Pulled hard, led 1st fell 3 out in race won by Alfred The Great (10-12) at Kelso 2m nov hdl (2) gs in Jan, 15 ran.
Nerone (GER) 11-2 (11-2) Held up and keen, headway approaching 3 out, ridden next, soon weakened, 3rd of 7, 14l behind Flake (10-6) at Wetherby 2m hcp hdl 0-115 (4) sft.
Reseda (IRE) 11-10fav (10-12) With leader, led 2nd, ridden and headed 2 out, kept on, 2nd of 7, 1l behind Darab (10-9) at Catterick 3m 1f nov hdl (E) gd in Jan '05.
The Last Viking 33-1 (11-4) Held up, always behind, 10th of 19, 23l behind Young Albert (11-4) at Ayr 2m nhf (H) sft in Dec.
Calfraz 14-1 (11-5) Chased leaders, headway 4 out, ridden next, kept on same pace, no impression on 1st two, 3rd of 12, 11l behind Gardasee (11-12) at Wetherby 2m 4yo nov hdl (4) hvy in Jan.
Flame of Zara 25-1 (10-5) Behind, ridden 3 out, kept on from next, no impression, 5th of 13, 26l behind Roman Ark (10-9) at Carlisle 2m 1f nov hdl (E) hvy in Nov '04.
Political Pendant 33-1 (10-8) Mid-division, ridden 4 out, soon weakened, 9th of 14, 37l behind Jontys'lass (10-12) at Carlisle 2m 4f mrs nov hdl (4) sft.
Sparky Rocket 16-1 (10-7) Tracked leaders, ridden over 3f out, gradually weakened, 8th of 9, 24l behind Insurgent (9-11) at Musselburgh 2m nhf (6) gf in Jan.
