behind, came wide from 6th, kept on, never nearer
in touch until weakened 6th, fell 2 out
held up, staying on 4th when fell 2 out
held up, smooth headway after 5th, led 2 out, soon clear
behind when pulled up before 5th
keen hold, in touch, ridden and one paced approaching 2 out
prominent to 3rd, tailed off when pulled up before next
led, headed and swerved badly left approaching 2 out, no chance after
prominent, behind from 6th, tailed off
prominent until weakened approaching 6th, tailed off
in touch, 6th and beaten when pulled up 2 out
always prominent, led before 2 out, soon headed, no chance with winner
pulled very hard and hung badly left, pulled up after 2nd
behind, mistake 1st, tailed off when fell 4th
prominent, ridden and kept on same pace from 6th
close up, weakened 6th, tailed off when pulled up before 2 out
This doesn't look the strongest of events despite the size of the field and Holland Park can come out on top. The son of Roselier showed the benefit of experience when stepping up on his initial start to finish a close second here in December and the step up in trip should prove ideal. Supreme Piper faced a stiff task and ran accordingly on his hurdling debut behind Rhinestone Cowboy at Cheltenham in December. The five-year-old improved to finish runner-up behind Our Vic (winner since) at Taunton last time and is another who will prove well suited by the extra distance. Kosovko needs to improve on his bumper form to take a hand but Blood Sub showed ability on his Folkestone debut and shouldn't be far away if taking to hurdling. Newcomer Oyster Shell represents a top yard and makes plenty of appeal on breeding so should be closely monitored in the market.