set very slow pace until quickened after 5th, went clear briefly, headed after next, led off last bend, driven flat, headed final 75 yards
tracked leaders, went 2nd 6th, soon led, headed off last bend, stayed on flat, led again final 75 yards
tracked leaders, jumped slowly 2nd, outpaced after next, never lost touch but could never get back on terms
tracked leader, pace quickened after 5th, not fluent 2 out, soon ridden and outpaced, beaten after, stayed on
EL BANDIT's victory in the Grade 2 Persian War at Chepstow was a big step up on his earlier form. If he's improved again, he should have too much for Black Warrior, though Charles Byrnes' raider did well to land a competitive handicap at Cork back in August. Colin's Sister almost threw away certain victory at Chepstow with a last-flight blunder but she will have learned from that and looks a nice prospect. The same can be said of Templeross and Pickamix, though this is a big ask early in their hurdling careers.
Black Warrior (IRE) 8-1 (11-5) Chased leaders, improved to challenge into straight, on terms 3 out, led between last 2, strongly pressed and stayed on well run-in, won at Cork 2m 4f hcp gd in Aug beating Coolmill (10-3) by 1/2l, 13 ran.
El Bandit (IRE) 13-2 (11-4) Held up towards rear, headway halfway, chased leaders 4 out, every chance after 2 out, led just after last, all out, won at Chepstow 2m 3f (1) gd in Oct beating Coo Star Sivola (11-0) by 1l, 9 ran.
Templeross (IRE) 8-15fav (10-12) Tracked leader, driven to challenge 2 out, led before last, stayed on well, won at Newton Abbot 2m 6f (4) gd in Sep beating Rainy City (12-2) by 1 3/4l, 3 ran.
Pickamix 3-1 (11-0) Not always fluent, tracked leaders, pecked 6th, mistake next, led after 2 out, edged left flat, stayed on, won at Uttoxeter 2m 4f mdn (4) gs in Oct beating Royal Plaza (11-0) by 3l, 8 ran.
Colin's Sister 2-1fav (10-12) Mid-division, headway 6th, tracked clear leader after next, close up 4 out, led next, driven clear between last 2, ridden out flat, held on, won at Chepstow 2m 3f (4) gd in Oct beating Queens Well (10-12) by 2l, 9 ran.
