chased leader, led 2 out, blundered last, kept on well
held up, effort approaching 3 out, one pace
held up, ridden 4 out, never dangerous
held up, ridden 8th, never dangerous
held up in rear, weakened approaching 3 out
held up mid-division, headway approaching 8th, ridden next, one pace
led, ridden and headed 2 out, every chance last, not pace of winner
held up, ridden after 7th, soon weakened, pulled up after 2 out
held up in touch, weakened approaching 3 out
held up in touch, ridden 8th, weakened next
Nonrunner
Venetia Williams looks to have found a good opportunity here for Flintoff who can take this handicap hurdle from Knighton Lad, Gunner Jack and Poker De Sivola in what is a competitive event. Flintoff returns to hurdles on a mark 20lb lower than his chase figure. He comes from a yard in form, handles cut and stays forever, so he has plenty going for him here and is the selection. Knighton Lad has won three of his last four and is very much respected. Alan King's runners are also in form and this Supreme Leader gelding loves cut and a trip, though a 6lb rise for his most recent win might see him in the grip of the handicapper. Gunner Jack reappears after a 13 month absence and was last seen hacking up at Carlisle in a 2m 4f novices event. The mark of 125 may yet prove to be lenient. Poker De Sivola steps up to this trip from 21 furlongs and that may elicit some improvement. He acts with cut and the yard is going well enough at present, so he is not discounted. Norton Sapphire may prove to be best of the rest, but Flintoff can bowl them over.
Raslan 20-1 (11-8) Led, ridden and headed 3 out, weakened before next, tailed off, 12th of 20, well behind Eden Linty (10-11) at Newbury 3m hcp hdl 0-140 (2) gs in Nov.
Mirjan (IRE) 40-1 (11-5) Tracked leaders, lost place 6th, ridden approaching 3 out, headway approaching next, stayed on, 5th of 15, 8l behind Souffleur (10-6) at Aintree 2m 4f hcp hdl 0-145 (2) gd in Nov.
Poker De Sivola (FR) 5-2fav (11-1) Towards rear, headway 2 out, shaken up to lead flat, kept on, won at Hexham 2m 4f hcp hdl 0-130 (3) gs in Nov beating According To Pete (11-6) by 2 1/2l, 8 ran.
Knighton Lad (IRE) 5-2 (11-12) Chased leader to 3rd, prominent, hit 6th, chased leader next, led after 3 out, driven clear last, won at Kempton 3m hcp hdl 0-120 (3) gs in Nov beating Tisseman (10-11) by 1 1/2l, 6 ran.
Gunner Jack 7-4fav (10-12) Held up in touch, went 2nd 3 out, led after next, soon clear, comfortably, won at Carlisle 2m 4f nov hdl (4) hvy in Oct '06 beating Mr Preacher Man (10-12) by 10l, 16 ran.
Mith Hill 12-1 (11-7) Held up, headway approaching 4 out, every chance when blundered 2 out, not quicken flat, 3rd of 10, 2 1/2l behind Arafan (9-11) at Ascot 3m 1f hcp hdl 0-130 (3) gd in Nov.
Karelian 11-4 (11-7) Led, headed 11th, 2 lengths down when blundered 4 out, soon ridden and outpaced, rallied and every chance last, no extra flat, 2nd of 7, 3/4l behind Shrewd Investor (10-8) at Newcastle 3m nov chs (3) gs.
Norton Sapphire 8-1 (10-12) Disputing lead, edged left and one pace from 2 out, 3rd of 16, 6l behind Supreme Huntress (11-0) at Chepstow 3m hcp hdl 0-130 (3) gd in Nov.
Flintoff (USA) 7-1 (10-13) Towards rear, rapid headway after 9th to press leaders, ridden after 13th, weakened before last, 11th of 18, 28l behind Rambling Minster (10-5) at Sandown 3m hcp chs 0-145 (2) gs in Feb.
Football Crazy (IRE) 5-2 (10-9) Led until pulled up at the 4th in race won by Roaringwater (10-11) at Fontwell 2m 4f sll hdl (3) gd, 13 ran.
Overserved 7-1 (11-12) In touch, outpaced when blundered 7th, rallied 2 out, no impression, 5th of 13, 25l behind Chef de Cour (11-8) at Kelso 2m 6f hcp hdl 0-115 (4) gs in Nov.
Allistathebarrista (IRE) 10-1 (11-3) In touch, mistake 9th, ridden after 12th, soon weakened, 7th of 10, 41l behind Here's Johnny (10-12) at Uttoxeter 3m beg chs (4) gd in Nov.
