hlds up, not fluent 2nd, trkd ldr appr 2 out, qd to ld towards fsh, cmfy
led, not fluent 2nd, clr 2 out, rdn and blnd last, hdd and not qn towards fsh
hld up last, rdn and hdw 2 out, styd on one pace u.p flat
w ldr unt rdn and wknd q appr 2 out
A slightly disappointing turnout after 20 were entered at the five-day stage but a good chance to get another look at the highly-regarded Rhinestone Cowboy as he takes in his second run over hurdles. His first - won in very easy fashion at Newbury from a fairly moderate field - told us little more than we already knew. This will be tougher but he ought to be up to the task - and will be short odds to do so - if his reputation is to hold good. As such, he gets the TEAMtalk vote. Dual bumper winner Tealby (including beating Intersky Falcon a short head on one occasion) came good at the second time of asking over hurdles, at Southwell on 6 December after an 11-month break. Her form is solid and she will ensure that the favourite does not get things all his own way. Hurdling debutante Supreme Piper should be up to winning hurdles but should have to wait another day, while Korelo, making his British hurdling debut for Martin Pipe adds further interest to the contest.
