tracked leader, led after 3 out, ridden next, stayed on well under pressure flat
led until after 3 out, soon ridden, weakened approaching last
held up in rear, lost touch 4 out, tailed off
in touch, headway 4 out, challenged next, ridden and every chance 2 out, hung left from last, no extra
held up, ridden to chase leaders 3 out, jumped left next and last, never on terms
held up, driven and headway approaching 3 out, ridden next, stayed on under pressure flat
held up in touch, chased leaders 3 out, ridden and kept on one pace from next
This isn't as competitive as one would expect for this prize, with doubts about the majority of the runners for one reason or another and a chance is taken with the top-weight Regal Exit on this return to hurdling. A useful juvenile hurdler, he wasn't disgraced, often when faced with difficult tasks as a handicapper including when down the field in last years Tote Gold Trophy, and last of 12 finishers behind Hors La Loi III in the Champion Hurdle. He then embarked on a chasing career winning at Ludlow and here at Doncaster, but has since lost his way over fences and it could be the return to hurdling will be just what he wants. The Handicapper has given him a chance here (6lbs lower than when last seen over timber), and with no doubts about the ground, he is well worth a chance. Red Sun has paid for winning a couple of moderate contests by wide margins and looks too high in the weights for the time being, while Batswing has shown little in a couple of outings over hurdles, having lost his way over fences. Demi Beau was withdrawn at Huntingdon on Thursday on account of the softening ground, so there must be a doubt about him here with all of the rain about and Noshinannikin will surely need this outing after being absent since the Spring. Totally Scottish may find this trip an insufficient test, even here, but stablemate Maceo is only 3lbs higher than when last successful over timber and may prove best of the Reveley pair. Chevet Girl wasn't disgraced behind some useful types at Ayr recently and it isn't hard to see her being involved here, but Regal Exit isn't badly treated on the best of his form and it is hoped the return to hurdling sparks a revival.
