in touch, weakened approaching 3 out, no chance when hampered next
keen hold, chd leaders, hit 4th, mistake and weakened 4 out, no chance when brought down 2 out
prominent, 6th one-paced and ridden when brought 2 out
in touch until ridden along and lost place 4th, towards rear when mistake 3 out, stayed on under pressure after next, no dangerous
keen hold, made most to 3 out, soon weakened
behind, ridden and some headway 4 out, soon weakened
held up in mid-division, steady headway from 4 out, led narrowly 2 out, ridden clear approaching last, ran on well
well behind from 2nd, tailed off and pulled up before 3 out
held up in mid-division, steady headway from 4 out, ridden to chase winner after 2 out, soon driven and no impression approaching last
mostly chased leader, mistake 3rd, weakened approaching 3 out
prominent, chance when mistake 3 out, disp 3rd and ridden when fell heavily 2 out
behind, hit 1st, tailed off when slightly hampered 2 out
behind, ridden along and struggling 5th, tailed off when slightly hampered 2 out
in touch when hit 4th and weakened, tailed off
held up in mid-division, mistake 3rd, good headway 4th, challenged 4 out, hit next, narrowly headed 2 out, weakened approaching last
always behind, mistake 2nd, tailed off when slightly hampered 2 out
Fortunate Dave and Spectroscope put unbeaten hurdling records on the line in the concluding event on the second day of The Open meeting. The former, a middle distance performer on the level (rated mid 60s), made a winning debut over timber at Warwick earlier this month beating a large field in the process. The latter was of a similar ability on the level but may prove to be better at the winter game judged by his win at Kempton Park last month. Both have to be respected, as too do the likes of Short Change and Le Duc (first and second at Hereford last month), Ascot winner Star Protector, the more exposed Almnadia. However, Don Fernando was of a different ability to these on the level and, if able to translate his flat ability to hurdles, he should be too classy for these. Martin Pipe's representative gets the TEAMtalk vote.