held up, headway to chase leaders 3 out, challenging when hit 2 out, one pace
chased leaders, hit 2nd, ridden and weakened approaching 3 out, tailed off
chased leaders, ridden after 2 out, soon chasing winner, no impression
in touch, headway to lead after 5th, clear after last, readily
always towards rear, eased before last, tailed off
towards rear, pushed along and lost place approaching 5th
mid-division, ridden approaching 3 out, no impression
led and soon clear until 5th, soon headed, tailed off
always towards rear
chased leader until ridden approaching 3 out, soon outpaced, kept on from last
held up, chased leaders 3rd, weakened after 4 out, tailed off
Last Pioneer, Alfonso and Spa Wells look the main protagonists in this competitive handicap hurdle and the narrow vote is given to Last Pioneer. The selection won a seller over course and distance last time out when beating Baby Sister in facile fashion, this looks tougher but now his confidence has been restored he looks the value bet in an open affair. Alfonso rates the main danger as he also won well last time out when beating Clueless, this looks more competitive and he will find it harder under his penalty but with his yard continuing in good form he will not be far away. Spa Wells is another that could go well on his latest fourth behind Quarrlesome Queen but he has had plenty of chances off similar marks without taking one and is opposed with this in mind. Greyside is unexposed and could improve for the step up in trip while Show No Fear is thrown in on his best form but has shown little of late so cannot be put forward with any confidence and for the winner we are happy to return to Last Pioneer.
Majorca 10-1 (10-9) Held up mid-division, lost place approaching 3 out, 10th of 12, 33l behind Lord Baskerville (11-3) at Aintree 2m hcp hdl 0-135 (3) gd.
Alfonso 2-1fav (10-11) Tracked leaders, headway to lead 3 out, very easily, won at Kelso 2m nov hcp hdl 0-105 (4) gf beating Clueless (10-13) by 2l, 12 ran.
Last Pioneer (IRE) 6-1 (11-12) In touch, headway to chase leaders approaching 3 out, led after next, soon clear, eased heavily towards finish, won at Cartmel 2m 1f sll hcp hdl 0-90 (5) gd beating Baby Sister (10-2) by 9l, 13 ran.
Spa Wells (IRE) 8-1 (11-0) Mid-division, headway to 7th 3 out, kept on to 2nd 2 out, no extra before last, 4th of 19, 6l behind Quarrelsome Queen (10-5) at Down Royal 2m hcp hdl 0-95 gf.
Greyside (USA) 20-1 (11-5) Led, ridden and headed after 6th, weakened from 3 out, 6th of 10, 49l behind Bright Sparky (10-11) at Musselburgh 2m nov hcp hdl 0-105 (4) gs in Jan.
Decree Nisi 11-2 (10-5) Held up, headway approaching 4 out, weakened before next, 6th of 8, well behind Compton Star (10-5) at Huntingdon 2m hcp hdl 0-110 (4) gs.
Apadi (USA) 14-1 (11-1) Chased leaders, ridden approaching 3 out, soon weakened, 12th of 13, 40l behind Last Pioneer (11-12) at Cartmel 2m 1f sll hcp hdl 0-90 (5) gd.
Show No Fear 7-1 (11-9) Chased leaders, weakened 3 out, 9th of 12, 36l behind Karyon (9-12) at Catterick 2m sll hcp hdl 0-90 (5) sft in Jan.
