pulled hard and held up in mid-division, smooth headway after 7th, led 3 out, soon ridden, jinked left approaching last, hard ridden flat, held on under pressure
held up last, lost touch 6th, soon tailed off, pulled up before 3 out
chased leader, headway and led 7th, ridden and headed 3 out, switched left after 2 out, hard ridden and rallied approaching last, ran on but not reached winner
led to 7th, weakened approaching 3 out, finished lame
prominent, ridden and headway to chase leader after 7th, every chance approaching 3 out, weakened quickly approaching 2 out
An interesting little contest with the locally trained Toi Express sure to be a popular choice, but this can go to Mr Ed, who tackles a fast surface for the first time over hurdles. A useful stayer on the flat, Peter Bowen's five-year-old has shown ability in all three of his races over hurdles, despite having his favoured fast ground. The booking of the champion catches the eye and he can prove too strong for Toi Express. Philip Hobbs has placed the Phardante gelding well this summer picking up a couple of small chases, before scoring over timber at Newton Abbot. He handles this quicker ground and looks sure to give a good account, despite having to give the weight away. Of the others, bumper winner La Luna looks to have plenty to prove after a dismal display on her hurdling debut at Market Rasen, but it is possible she will appreciate this stiffer test, while River Reine, who showed promise as a juvenile on the flat for Barry Hills, has clearly had problems since and looks to have plenty to prove now after running out at Worcester last time. Countryside Friend and Jolirose look outclassed, so Mr Ed is the choice to prove too strong for the in-form Toi Express.
