prominent in chasing group, went 2nd 3rd, hit next, shaken up after 3 out, beaten 2 out, weakened approaching last
in touch in chasing group, not fluent 3rd, blundered 3 out, soon ridden, weakened approaching 2 out, behind when blundered last
led, soon clear, reduced advantage approaching 3 out, ridden after 2 out, headed last, one pace flat
chased clear leader to 3rd, remained prominent, went 2nd again 3 out, led last, ridden flat, ran on
held up, headway after 5th, shaken up after 3 out, weakened approaching 2 out
held up, raced keenly, mistake 3rd and rider lost iron briefly, ridden and outpaced from 3 out, no impression
held up, raced keenly, headway from 3 out, disputed 2nd and edged left from 2 out, every chance last, ridden flat, ran off towards finish
Khyber Kim is the selection over Tazbar and Osako D'airy as the ante-post favourite for the Supreme Novices' Hurdle at the Cheltenham festival puts his credentials on the line. Although the least experienced in this field, Khyber Kim shot to prominence with an eye catching Newbury debut. Weak in the market on this particular day, Khyber Kim left some promising and strongly supported rivals trailing and with improvement also likely, Nicky Henderson's gelding will be very hard to beat. Ground conditions are not likely to pose any problems and further encouragement is that the Henderson yard have hit top form recently. Tazbar appears the most likely candidate to challenge Khyber Kim's unbeaten record. Tazbar supplemented an encouraging hurdling debut by winning at prohibitive odds on his most recent start. However, a major concern is the drop back to the minimum trip as he is likely to be vunerable against a speedier sort and on a course where there is less emphasis on stamina. Osako D'airy is an admirable sort but is likely to lack in terms of class. Well beaten off 122 most recently, that would appear not good enough but he will be staying on when others have cried enough. Khyber Kim is the selection ahead of Tazbar and Osako D'airy.
Khyber Kim 7-1 (11-0) In touch going easily, headway to join leaders 3 out, led after 2 out, ran on strongly, pushed out, impressive, won at Newbury 2m hdl (2) sft in Dec beating Theatre Girl (10-12) by 3l, 18 ran.
Mexican Bob 5-2 (11-8) In touch, headway 3 out, ridden to lead approaching 2 out, hard ridden flat, held on, won at Taunton 2m 1f nov hdl (3) gd in Dec beating Blackthorn Boy (10-12) by 1 1/2l, 14 ran.
Osako D'airy (FR) 7-2 (11-1) Chased leaders, led approaching 3 out, soon ridden, headed and not fluent last, weakened flat, 3rd of 16, 4 1/2l behind One Gulp (11-1) at Leicester 2m 4f nov hdl (3) sft in Dec.
Tazbar (IRE) 4-11fav (10-12) Always prominent, led going well 3 out, drew clear from next, canter, won at Newcastle 2m 6f nov hdl (2) gs in Dec beating Innominate (10-12) by a distance, 7 ran.
Stravara 5-1 (11-0) Held up towards rear, headway approaching 3 out, every chance last, kept on same pace, 3rd of 15, 3l behind Snake Charmer (10-11) at Uttoxeter 2m mdn hdl (5) gs in Dec.
Uncle Eli (IRE) 100-1 (11-0) Led 2nd, not fluent next, ridden and headed approaching last, no extra, 5th of 12, 11l behind Calgary Bay (11-0) at Cheltenham 2m 1f nh nov hdl (2) gd in Dec.
Whiteoak (IRE) 3-1 (10-5) Held up, headway approaching 3 out, led last, ran on well, won at Bangor 2m 1f nh nov hdl (4) gs in Dec beating Merchant Red (10-12) by 5l, 11 ran.
Golden Alchemist 40-1 (11-7) Held up, headway 6th, slightly outpaced after 3 out, stayed on from last, 3rd of 6, 3 1/2l behind Deep Purple (11-7) at Ascot 2m nov hdl Grd 2 (1) gf in Dec.
