mid-division, headway to chase leaders approaching 10th, in 4th and weakening when jumped left last
led until after 2nd, weakened 9th
chasing leaders in 3rd when fell 7th
always behind, tailed off
in touch, weakened 9th
held up, chased leaders approaching 9th, one pace form 2 out
chased winner after 2nd, ridden approaching 2 out, no impression
mid-division, weakened and pulled up before 9th
always behind, mistake and hampered 7th, unseated rider next
held up in touch, weakened from 2 out
always behind
raced keen, led after 2nd, clear from next, stayed on well from 2 out
held up, mistake and hampered 7th, weakened from 8th
in rear, swerved right, hit rail after 2nd on stable bend, pulled up before 4th
A fairly open novices hurdle can go to Ice Team, with Wee Forbees and Dancer's Serenade looking to be live dangers. The selection was only just caught over a marathon trip at Sedgefield last-time out, and must be a live danger dropping back in trip today. His two best runs have come on similar ground to today's so he looks sure to handle the stamina test that this race should provide. His trainer should have a good idea of the chances of his horse against Dancer's Serenade having provided the second and third on Dancer's Serenade's win on his hurdling debut. That win came in determined fashion and his trainer thinks that he will be equally or more effective at this trip so he must have leading claims. Although he has a penalty to contend with today, he should go well but may just have trouble giving the weight away all round. Wee Forbees improved on his debut effort when a good third at Musselburgh, however he will need to step up again if he is to trouble the main protagonists today. At bigger odds Double Deputy could go well if forgetting his disappointing last run, however stamina doesn't look totally assured so he must be passed over. This is an intriguing little contest, and we will stick with Donald McCain's Ice Tea to be the 'toast of the town'.
Dancer's Serenade (IRE) 9-4fav (11-4) Tracked leader, led 3 out, ridden last, held on flat, won at Newcastle 2m 4f nov hdl (3) sft beating BallaBriggs (11-4) by a nk, 12 ran.
Double Deputy (IRE) 9-2fav (11-7) Held up, ridden and outpaced 4 out, stayed on from 2 out, never on terms, 5th of 15, 27l behind Sybarite Chief (10-13) at Musselburgh 2m 4f nov hcp hdl 0-100 (4) gd.
Golden Streak (IRE) 14-1 (10-5) Mid-division, stayed on from 2 out, 4th of 12, 12l behind Our Jasper (10-7) at Market Rasen 2m 3f nh nov hdl (4) sft in Dec.
Ice Tea (IRE) 6-1 (10-9) Tracked leaders, headway 3 out, led next, clear when wandered approaching last, hung right flat, headed and no extra near finish, 2nd of 6, 1/2l behind Top Cloud (10-9) at Sedgefield 3m 3f nov hdl (4) sft in Dec.
In Dream's (IRE) 14-1 (11-6) Chased leaders, ridden approaching 2 out, kept on same pace, 3rd of 15, 10l behind Poker De Sivola (11-0) at Catterick 2m 3f nov hdl (4) sft.
Tom's Toybox 15-2 (10-9) Chased leaders, led 3 out, headed approaching last, one pace, 3rd of 16, 4l behind Super Baby (10-9) at Catterick 2m 3f nov hdl (4) gs in Dec.
Wee Forbees (IRE) 5-4fav (11-0) In touch, went 2nd 8th, led 3 out, ridden when hit last, headed no extra flat, 3rd of 14, 2 1/2l behind Sharp Reply (11-0) at Musselburgh 2m 4f mdn hdl (5) gd in Dec.
Willie The Fish (IRE) 7-2 (10-7) Held up in touch, chased leader after 12th to 16th, weakened 4 out, 5th of 6, 37l behind It's Definite (11-12) at Sedgefield 3m 3f hcp chs 0-105 (4) hvy.
