tracked leaders, mistake 2nd, ridden and lost place approaching 6th, tailed off when pulled up before 4 out
in touch, ridden approaching 7th, soon weakened
prominent, ridden 6th, weakened quickly, behind when pulled up before next
held up, headway 4 out, ridden and one pace from 3 out
prominent, led 3rd, ridden and headed 3 out, weakened approaching last
held up, mistake 4th, headway approaching 6th, ridden and every chance 3 out, not much room approaching next, weakening when mistake last
always toward rear, never dangerous
mid-division, blundered 7th, headway approaching 3 out, ridden approaching 2 out, kept on one pace
Xellance, Western Ridge and Monolith all have claims in this novices' handicap hurdle but slight preference is for Red Tyrant, who is taken to give the in-form Len Lungo another winner. The son of Bigstone showed improved form when winning a maiden hurdle at Hexham over this trip last month, eased down but still beating his nearest rival by three lengths. The handicapper has raised the gelding 11lbs for that success but, having been rated 82 on the flat, he still seems well treated and is taken to follow up. Hereford winner Xellance looks to be one of the lesser lights in Philip Hobbs' stable and, having been beaten off today's mark last time, is readily opposable at the forecast odds. Western Ridge, a one-time Luca Cumani inmate, has been on the downgrade for some time but showed encouraging form last time when second to Irish Distinction at Chepstow. He cannot be dismissed lightly on that evidence and warrants respect, as does Red Tyrant who remains open to further improvement.
