led and set good pace, ridden and headed 2 out, soon no extra under pressure
tracked leader, hit 2nd, hard ridden from 2 out, driven approaching last, one pace flat
held up, hard ridden and no impression from 3 out
not fluent 4th, weakened next, tailed off when pulled up before last
held up, headway 4 out, went 2nd next, led going well 2 out, clear when hit last, driven out flat
held up and always in rear, tailed off from 4 out
blundered 1st, lost touch 5th, tailed off before 3 out, tailed off before last
pulled hard and held up behind, weakened and lost touch from 4 out
An interesting opener although there are questions to be answered about a number of these after long seasons. Hitman is the clear pick on ratings but was a bitter disappointment at Aintree last time and would again be unsuited by the likely fast ground. Ruby gale steps up in grade after a gutsy win in his most recent contest but may find one or two too good, a comment that applies equally to the bold front-runner Castleshane, who goes well round here. Flame Creek is stepping up as well but has only encountered soft ground and has something to prove, so it could pay to side with Henrietta Knights' Stars Out Tonight who gives the impression that he'll handle the going and ran well when eighth in the Supreme Novices Hurdle at the Festival last month.
