chased leader until 3rd, jumped slowly, reminders 4th, mistake 6th, struggling, lost touch with leaders after 8th, went moderate 3rd approaching last
always behind, struggling after 8th, tailed off when pulled up before 2 out
mid-division, headway after 7th, mistake 8th, ridden when not fluent 3 out, weakened approaching 2 out
in touch, pushed along lost place 6th, rallied 3 out, chased winner before 2 out, no impression
held up, headway after 7th, driven along after 8th, mistake and weakened 9th, well behind when pulled up before last
tracked leaders, not fluent 5th, led 7th, stayed on well
towards rear, not fluent 4th, pulled up and dismounted before 7th
raced keenly, prominent, went 2nd 3rd, weakened approaching 2 out
led, reminders after 3rd, headed 7th, soon weakened, pulled up before 8th
Scholar King, Noble Action and Tastes Like More look the main protagonists in this maiden hurdle and the narrow vote is given to Scholar King. The selection was impressive in a point when last seen and under similar conditions on this his first run over hurdles he looks the one to be on. Noble Action rates the main danger on his latest second behind Hennesey, that form has since been franked but all his best form is with more cut in the ground and he is taken on with this in mind. Tastes Like More is another worthy of respect on his latest third behind Constant Approach and he should appreciate this shorter trip but his stable are out of form. Of the remainder Leading Article is unexposed and could improve but for the winner we return to Scholar King.
Blue Sovereign 9-2 (11-2) Chased leaders, ridden after 8th, one pace from 3 out, 3rd of 8, 13l behind Celebrity Call (11-2) at Exeter 3m mdn hdl (4) gf.
Brinkmanship (USA) 50-1 (10-12) Mistake 1st, towards rear, some headway after 5th, no further impression from next, 9th of 16, 26l behind Beau Michel (10-12) at Exeter 2m 1f nh nov hdl (3) gd in Oct.
Freedom of Choice (IRE) 16-1 (10-6) In rear, hampered 1st, never dangerous, 7th of 15, well behind Hennessy (10-13) at Uttoxeter 3m nh nov hdl (4) gs.
Gone To Lunch (IRE) 8-13fav (12-4) Went 3rd & rdn 12; chsd wnr 15; no resp 2 out, 2nd of 6, 12l behind Toi Express (12-7) at Stafford Cross 3m ptp frm in Apr.
Leading Article (IRE) 8-1 (11-7) Mid-division, 7th before 4 out, 4th when fell 4 out in race won by Serve Time (11-7) at Ballinrobe 2m mdn hdl gf in Jul, 14 ran.
Noble Action 7-2 (10-10) In touch, chased leaders 4 out, ridden approaching 2 out, chased winner approaching last, no impression, 2nd of 15, 6l behind Hennessy (10-13) at Uttoxeter 3m nh nov hdl (4) gs.
Scholar King 11-10fav (12-0) A gng wl; led 15; v easy, won at Bonvilston 3m ptp gf in Apr beating Danbury (12-0) by 10l, 8 ran.
Tastes Like More (IRE) 6-1 (10-7) Tracked leaders, not fluent, lost place 3rd, headway after 5th, ridden to chase leaders 4 out, weakened 2 out, 3rd of 8, 19l behind Constant Approach (10-4) at Hereford 3m 2f mdn hdl (4) gf.
