chased leaders, ridden and mistake 5th, weakened 2 out
chased leader, lost place approaching 5th, tailed off next
held up, effort 3 out, soon weakened
held up, effort 3 out, soon weakened
held up in touch, prominent 4th, led briefly approaching 2 out, weakend approaching last
held up, headway 3 out, ridden approaching 2 out, weakened approaching last
held up, led 7th, soon headed, kept on one pace from next
led, ridden and headed 3 out, kept on same pace
tracked leaders, ridden to lead 2 out, ran on well
in touch, headway approaching 5th, ridden approaching 2 out, stayed on flat
took keen hold towards rear, headway approaching 4 out, joined winner 2 out, weakened from next
A wide-open handicap here with many in-form rivals in opposition, and it really is hard to call. Many of the fancied runners are returning to hurdling having done well over fences, including Temple Dog, Byron Lamb and Behavingbadly, but we are happy to take a chance on Sands Rising . The selection has been in fair form in novice events of late and with conditions in his favour and off what looks a fair mark he could go well at a decent price. Temple Dog was a fair sort over hurdles last season and he has been chasing of late. However his best form is with much more cut in the ground and for that reason he is opposed. Byron Lamb has been let down by his jumping of late over fences but he returns to hurdling on a fair mark and is worth noting in the market, a comment that also applies to Behavingbadly. Of the remainder, Midnight Creek is from a yard in form and is another that could go well, but in an open affair Sands Rising has decent place claims and is a sporting choice.
