held up and keen, weakened 4 out
always in the rear
in touch and keen, led 3 out, ridden 2 out, joined and headed soon after last, kept on
prominent, hung left and joined leader approaching last, on bit, led soon after, ridden out
prominent, led 6th, headed 3 out, ridden and mistake 2 out, weakened
in rear, mistake 5th, tailed from 7th
mid-division, some headway 7th, ridden and weakened 4 out
mid-division, ridden and weakened 6th, soon tailed off
led, headed 6th, ridden to chase leaders 3 out, weakened approaching 2 out
Michael Muck gets the narrow vote in this novices' hurdle with Hopkins and Ibberton the others to consider. The selection has winning pointer form in Ireland and he ran promisingly in a bumper last time. These conditions should be ideal for him today and with his yard in good form he looks the one to beat. Hopkins showed promise on his two runs in bumpers last season and turned in a decent effort on his hurdles debut last time out. If he can continue to progress then he will not be far away at the finish. Ibberton is an interesting newcomer and is worth a look in the market, a comment that would also apply to Shannons Boy. Michael Muck sets a fair standard though and gets the vote.
Grey Shark (IRE) 100-1 (11-0) Mid-division, weakened after 5th, lost touch next, 9th of 16, well behind Carnival Town (10-7) at Chepstow 2m 4f mdn hdl (5) gs.
Gwyn's Choice 66-1 (11-4) Mistake 1st, behind, tailed off when mistake 4th and pulled up at the 6th in race won by Saltango (11-8) at Fontwell 2m 6f nov hdl (4) hvy in Feb, 15 ran.
Hopkins (IRE) 20-1 (10-12) Chased leaders, chased winner approaching 3 out, stayed on, 2nd of 18, 9l behind Tidal Bay (10-12) at Wetherby 2m 4f nh nov hdl (4) sft in Oct.
Ibberton 3-1 (11-7) 3rd of 8, 14l behind Moonshine Surprise (11-7) at Larkhill 3m ptp gf in Apr '05.
Michael Muck 7-4fav (10-13) Held up, headway over 5f out, ridden 3f out, one pace and no impression final 2f, 4th of 14, 11l behind Golden Child (10-11) at Worcester 2m nhf (6) gs in Oct.
Nictos de Bersy (FR) 40-1 (11-0) Towards rear, headway after 7th, weakened 3 out, 6th of 16, 35l behind Carnival Town (10-7) at Chepstow 2m 4f mdn hdl (5) gs.
Notin Hapened (IRE) 100-1 (10-12) Always behind, tailed off when pulled up 5 out in race won by Ordre de Bataille (10-12) at Warwick 2m 5f nh nov hdl (4) gd, 18 ran.
Shannons Boy (IRE) Anshan gelding out of winning chaser Dusky Lady.
Sumtototal 150-1 (10-11) Led until over 5f out, weakened over 2f out, 9th of 14, 35l behind Chaim (11-1) at Uttoxeter 2m nhf (6) hvy in Oct.
Little Miss Flute 25-1 (10-2) Chased winner until 6f out, gradually faded, 9th of 10, well behind Mardi Roberta (10-12) at Fontwell 1m 6f mrs nhf (6) gd.
