mid-division, headway 4 out, chased winner from 3 out, held last
tracked leaders, ridden and weakened approaching 3 out
in touch, ridden 3 out, weakened next
mid-division, outpaced 4 out and mistake, kept on moderately
in rear, lost touch 7th
hung right handed throughout, lost touch 7th
held up, some progress 7th, weakened soon after
led, jumped slowly 2nd, headed 3rd, weakend after 7th
tracked leaders, led 3rd, hit 2 out, clear last, ran on
held up, reminders 5th, weakened and lost touch approaching 7th
HELL'S BAY should be an easy winner for the Nicholls/Walsh combination in the opener, while Adroit Approach and Our Hero remain horses to respect. The selection won the Persian War Grade 2 Novice hurdle over course and distance back in the autumn earning himself a rating of 142 in the process. Since then though he has found life tough and although he has not entirely disgraced himself against top opposition he had failed to trouble the judge. The ground could prove to be the turning point for him though as a sound surface seems to be what he requires. With that in mind and with this drop in grade he is difficult to oppose. Adroit Approach won a novice event this time last year but he has again struggled with his handicap mark ever since. This is a drop in grade for him but he will have to improve to over turn the selection. Our Hero is another that needs to improve but he has shown his well being of late and ran with credit over course and distance when second to De Welsh Wizzard last time out. That said he will struggle at the weights so is best watched. So for the winner we return to Hell's Bay.
Adroit Approach (IRE) 28-1 (10-13) Rear, no chance when hit 3 out, tailed off, 10th of 17, well behind Ballydub (10-10) at Newbury 3m hcp hdl 0-140 (2) gs in Nov.
Bonikos (FR) 8-1 (11-5) Held up towards rear, headway after 7th, weakened after 3 out, mistake last, 11th of 16, 45l behind Bakbenscher (11-5) at Newbury 2m 3f NH nov hdl 4-6yo (4) sft in Dec.
Hell's Bay (FR) 8-13fav (11-9) Tracked leaders, went 2nd 5th, led after 3 out, ridden and headed before next, soon beaten, 3rd of 4, 48l behind Bouggler (10-4) at Kempton 2m 5f nh nov hdl (4) gd in Feb.
Our Hero (IRE) 13-8fav (11-4) Held up, led 4 out, headed 3 out, ridden, led again briefly after last, no extra, 2nd of 8, 1l behind De Welsh Wizzard (10-11) at Chepstow 2m 4f nov hdl (4) gd.
Eyesrdancing 100-1 (10-7) Mid-division and keen, effort 3 out, weakened 2 out, 9th of 15, 42l behind Finney (10-12) at Hereford 2m 4f nh nov hdl (4) gs in Dec.
Magic Marmalade (IRE) 125-1 (10-11) Always behind, 9th of 16, well behind The Treacle Eater (11-0) at Hereford 2m 4f mdn hdl (4) gd.
Norwest (IRE) 50-1 (11-4) In touch, ridden halfway, weakened 5f out, 9th of 12, well behind High Gales (11-4) at Fontwell 2m 2f mdn NH flat (6) gd in Mar.
Ridiculousdecision (IRE) 66-1 (11-0) Awkward 1st, lost place, behind from 3rd, jumped left 4th, losing touch when hampered next, pulled up before 2 out, in a race won by Horseford Hill (10-11) at Towcester 2m 3f mdn hdl (4) gd, 14 ran.
Roman Conquest 20-1 (10-9) Mid-division, headway to chase leaders approaching 3 out, weakened soon after next, 6th of 17, 16l behind According To Dick (11-8) at Newbury 2m 5f nh nov hdl (4) gd in Feb.
Wenruthlyn (IRE) 100-1 (11-0) Tracked leaders until 4th, soon held, 6th of 9, well behind Quick Fix (11-0) at Chepstow 2m mdn hdl (4) gd.
On Oath (IRE) 100-1 (10-4) Always in the rear, 13th of 15, 48l behind Tataniano (11-0) at Chepstow 2m NH flat (6) gd in Oct.
Pistol At Dawn (IRE) 66-1 (10-7) Always towards rear, tailed off, 9th of 14, 46l behind Cool Friend (10-11) at Exeter 2m 3f mrs nov hdl (4) gd in Mar.
