soon tailed off, pulled up before 12th
held up in touch, reminders after 8th, weakened approaching 11th
chased leaders, blundered 10th, soon behind
tracked leader, challenged from 4 out, ridden to lead after 2 out, stayed on well
jumped right throughout, led, ridden and headed after 2 out, beaten when mistake last, eased
never fluent and soon well behind, stayed on from 4 out, took poor 4th approaching last
The Phillip Hobbs-trained Willie John Daly sets the standard on his hurdles form but is unlikely to represent much in the way of value, so a chance is taken with Cloth Of Gold, who at least has some previous experience of jumping fences in public. So too do Broken Dreams and Jandal, who can do their bit to make sure this is a good test for all concerned. The latter ran a blinder in defeat at Worcester last month and, assuming that the dead eight take their chance, looks the best call for an each-way play. Willie John Daly took on some top-class opponents during his first season with Hobbs; winning two of his six starts. The seven-year-old is suited by a stiff test of stamina and has the stamp of a decent chaser in the making. However, Hobbs' string have been hitting the post on too many occasions lately for him to be considered a 'certainty' on his chasing debut. So he is recommended only as a saver option if the prices permit this afternoon. Which brings in Cloth Of Gold, who did well behind two very useful rivals on his chasing debut last month. Lady Harris' charge is sure to be a lot wiser with that run under his belt and he can surprise a few today with only a slightly improved round of jumping.
