prominent, ridden along approaching 6th, 4th and weakening when mistake 3 out
mid-division, raced keenly, headway approaching 6th, weakened after 3 out
tracked leaders, went 2nd before 3rd, led 5th, clear approaching 3 out, hit 2 out, headed when not fluent last, no extra
in touch, raced keenly, mistakes 2nd and 4th, weakened 6th
held up towards rear, well beaten 6th
held up in rear, hampered 2nd, behind 5th
behind, jumped right and slowly 1st, awkward 2nd, blundered badly, unseated rider 3rd
led until after 1st, remained prominent, not fluent 3rd, went 2nd before 3 out, closed approaching 2 out, switched right after 2 out, led last, stayed on well
led after 1st, headed 5th, weakened approaching 3 out
Vacario's participation may be ground dependant (withdrawn on soft before) but whilst he is an obvious contender if taking part, it is DUTY FREE who is narrowly preferred. Officially rated 111, the selection has proven that he has ability over hurdles with three runs to date. He was a decent flat horse (rated 75 when last seen) and his second to Cootehill in June reads fairly well. The stable are not renowned for sending out winners at this time of year but they had a runner go well the other day at Wolverhampton and with McCoy on board again he can prevail. Vacario is a talented individual and has been holding his form well this year, but he has plenty of weight to carry on ground that may be softer than ideal. Another to consider must include Ballabrook who is returning to hurdles today, as well as Raisthorpe who makes his hurdling debut this afternoon and he hinted at ability in three bumper runs. World Time didn't show much on his hurdles bow at Worcester last time out but he was rated in the 70's on the flat and may have needed that first run, whilst Tarvini was a Dundalk winner in September and is capable of better. At a price Miss Mactango could run well receiving plenty of weight from her older male rivals, however in a competitive heat it is Duty Free who can lead them home.
Vacario (GER) 7-4 (11-5) In touch, ridden to chase winner 3 out, every chance from last, no extra, 2nd of 13, 1/2l behind Factotum (11-5) at Worcester 2m nh nov hdl (4) gf in Jun.
Ballabrook (IRE) 11-1 (11-0) Led until blundered and unseated rider 3rd, in a race won by High Bird Humphrey (10-11) at Catterick 2m mdn chs (4) gd in Mar, 9 ran.
Duty Free (IRE) 3-1 (10-12) Led, ridden approaching 2 out, headed approaching last, no chance with winner, 2nd of 10, 6l behind Cootehill (10-12) at Southwell 2m 1f nh nov hdl (4) gd in Jun.
Raisthorpe 16-1 (11-3) Held up, outpaced 6f out, never on terms, 5th of 9, 17l behind Paint The Clouds (10-11) at Sedgefield 2m 1f mdn NH flat (6) gf in Jun.
Sir Billy Nick 33-1 (9-1) Mid-division, ridden along halfway, weakened over 2f, 9th of 10, 46l behind Mambo Sun (9-4) at Southwell 1m hcap (6) fbs in Jan (flat).
Tarvini (IRE) 20-1 (10-3) Held up, weakened from 3 out, 6th of 10, well behind Thumbs Up (10-8) at Bangor 2m 1f nh nov hdl (4) gd in May.
World Time 8-1 (10-12) Held up towards rear, not fluent 5th, headway approaching 3 out, already weakened when blundered badly 2 out, 9th of 12, well behind Danetime Panther (11-0) at Worcester 2m mdn hdl (5) gf.
Basford Wayfarer 33-1 (10-5) Held up towards rear, raced keenly, mistake 2nd, unseated rider next, in a race won by Persian Warrior (11-0) at Uttoxeter 2m nh nov hdl (4) gd, 12 ran.
Tenormore (IRE) 50-1 (10-3) Always towards rear, pulled up before 2 out, in a race won by Asian Royale (10-8) at Navan 2m 6f hcp hdl 0-109 hvy in Mar '08, 21 ran.
Miss Mactango 4-1 (10-10) Rear of mid-division, bumped 1st, not fluent 2nd, headway approaching 5th, left chasing winner 2 out, no impression last, 2nd of 11, 4 1/2l behind Kijivu (10-7) at Hereford 2m 1f 3yo hdl (4) gd in Sep.
