tracked leader, led 3rd, shaken up approaching last, ran on well
held up in touch, smooth headway to track winner, approaching 3 out, waited with, found nil flat
tracked leaders, ridden approaching 3 out, weakening when blundered 2 out
led, reminders approaching 3rd, soon headed and ridden, weakened approaching 3 out
Analyze and Noble Calling were both capable performers on the level and could yet make the grade at the winter game, particularly the former who was not given the hardest of rides on his debut at Wetherby last week, but they may both have to play a minor role here behind Toi Express. The Philip Hobbs-trained gelding, a 113-rated chaser, has been campaigned successfully over hurdles since the beginning of last month winning novice events at Newton Abbot and, latterly, here at Exeter. The seven-year-old was good value for his three-quarters of a length defeat of Mr Ed that day and is taken to record a third win over hurdles today. Neither Glacial Evening nor North Croft make much appeal in a contest that should go to Toi Express.