tracked leaders, led 6th, clear 3 out, not fluent 2 out, easily
pulled hard in rear, weakened halfway, tailed off when pulled up before 2 out
tracked leader, dropped rear halfway, soon lost touch, tailed off when pulled up before 3 out
led to 6th, remained prominent, every chance after 4 out, weakened 2 out
held up in rear, headway 4 out to chase leaders, outpaced next, kept on to go remote 2nd run-in
held up in touch, ridden approaching 3 out, weakened before next
held up towards rear, headway under pressure approaching 3 out, soon one pace
mid-division, headway 6th, pushed along 4 out, ridden and one pace next
Samby has shown enough to suggest that he can get back to winning ways ahead of Araglin and El Cordobes. Samby was a progressive bumper horse last season, and it was no surprise when he made all to win a moderate novice hurdle at Towcester on his return to action, making all to win comfortably. There were no excuses for his defeat behind Rakalackey at Market Rasen next time when stepped up in trip but he remains one to keep on the right side of. His dam Mossy Fern was a useful mare over fences and that will be where his future lies. Araglin did not make too much of a show at Taunton on Thursday in class D company but if turning out, the drop to this grade should see him put up a better display. El Cordobes has been in good form of late, despite his advancing years, gaining back-to-back successes over fences at Fakenham. Trainer Penny Buckley was thinking of switching him to hunter-chasing and may well still do so, but gives him a rare run out over hurdles. We wish him well, but oppose him here with Samby who can give in-form Oliver Sherwood another winner.
