held up, not fluent 2nd or 3 out, headway on inside approaching next, ridden approaching last, led flat, ran on well
held up in touch, not fluent 4th, ridden approaching 2 out, soon weakened
held up in touch, hit 3rd, not fluent next, ridden and one-paced approaching last
in touch, ridden to lead briefly approaching last, kept on flat
held up, headway 3 out, ridden and not fluent 2 out, weakened approaching last
tracked leader, led after 3 out, ridden and headed briefly approaching last, kept on well flat
led and keen, hit 2nd, headed after 3 out, ridden and weakened quickly approaching next
Probably the best juvenile novices' hurdle of the season so far with some useful youngsters lining up for what should be an informative contest. Several of these are closely matched on flat form but slight preference is for Don Fernando. Martin Pipe's colt was an impressive winner at the Open meeting over course and distance when beating Le Duc by seven lengths and, with course experience on his side, he gets the TEAMtalk vote. Sylvester Kirk's Duke Of Earl had the same horse behind when winning at Huntingdon last month and is another to consider along with recent Newbury winner Tramantano, who beat Nas Na Riogh by a length-and-a-half at the Berkshire venue. Nicky Henderson's filly is much better in at the weights here though and could easily reverse form. Lilium De Cotte, from Guillaume Macaire's stable, has to be respected but the French trainer's recent raiders have struggled and a bigger danger could be hurdling newcomer Turbo. Trained by Venetia Williams, the son of Piccolo was of a similar level of ability on the flat to the selection and could go close in receipt of weight. Silver Charmer looks out of his depth.
