always behind, tailed off when pulled up before 7th
always in touch, mistake 4th, headway to lead approaching last, kept on well flat
in touch, headway to lead 3 out, headed approaching last, no extra flat
chased leader, weakened approaching 4 out, one pace from next
held up, headway after 4 out, kept on same pace
in rear until weakened 7th, tailed off when pulled up before 10th
held up, some headway 8th, never nearer
always behind, tailed off when pulled up before 2 out
always behind, tailed off when pulled up before 9th
led, headed 7th, weakened rapidly from next
some headway 5th, weakened from 4 out
in touch, led 8th, headed after next, weakened quickly from 3 out
always behind, pulled up before 6th
in rear, tailed off when pulled up before 2 out
There is plenty of deadwood here and it is not too difficult to narrow the serious contenders down to just a handful. Stennikov makes obvious appeal in this grade and will be a big threat to all if his stamina holds out on the ground. However, that cannot be guaranteed if his latest offering is taken on face value and he may be worth taking on today. Bob Ar Aghaidh, who dam won the 1993 Stayers Hurdle, is one who should relish the trip and is worth bearing in mind if the market speaks in his favour. Polligana's form figures read well but the races themselves do not stand up to much scrutiny and he joins the list of ones to watch. Provence Dreamer has fared well in a couple of bumpers but faces a stiffer test than he may be ready for with regard to the trip. So this may be best left to Bacardi Boy, who has no such queries about his resolve to go the distance. His course form with Stennikov from December 2001 reads well enough to expect a bold show from him and, with his stable in such good form at present, he is the one to beat. He is unlikely to found wanting for fitness but his long absence may ensure that he goes off at a decent price.
