held up, took closer order 7th, led 2 out, ridden and hit last, headed towards finish
held up, took closer order 7th, chased leader approaching last, ridden and ran on to lead towards finish
jumped right throughout, led, headed after 3rd, remained close-up, ridden 6th, soon lost place, driven 8th, weakened next
tracked leader, hit 7th, ridden 3 out, weakened next
close up, led after 3rd, ridden and headed 2 out, weakened approaching last
raced in last place, blundered 3rd, not fluent next, driven 8th, soon behind, pulled up last
held up, driven 8th, weakened next
Haddaaf sets the standard here and Postmaster comes into the race on the back of a facile success but LITTLE AL may be able to lower their colours. Haddaaf is a dual winner over hurdles but has been struggling in novice company under his penalties and that may prove to be the case again despite this opposition appearing to be a little weaker. Postmaster was left with a straightforward opportunity at Fontwell following the defection of a couple of his leading market rivals but there was plenty to like about the manner of his success and he has to be respected. Bijou Love represents the yard successful last season and she has shown signs of ability but may be more at home once handicapping. The selection is making his hurdling bow and returning from a break here but his stable has made a good start to the autumn and with their hurdlers in particular. His bumper form stands up to close inspection with placed efforts behind Blencathra Bay and Shalone reading well in the context of this race. He'll stay further in time but this isn't a bad place to start his hurdling career and Little Al is capable of landing the spoils.
Haddaaf (USA) 4-1 (11-12) Chased leaders, driven and outpaced, not fluent 2 out, ridden and kept on same pace approaching last, no impression, 3rd of 12, 5l behind Maslak (11-5) at Market Rasen 2m 1f nov hdl (4) gd in Sept.
Postmaster 4-6fav (10-7) Mid-division, steady headway from 6th, led last, pushed ahead, comfortably, won at Fontwell 2m 2f nov hdl (4) gd beating Pacific Ocean (10-5) by 6l, 12 ran.
Feeling Peckish (USA) 33-1 (10-3) Led 3rd, headed after 4th, led 5th until after 7th, ridden 9th, weakening when bumped 3 out, 7th of 14, 42l behind Orchard House (10-7) at Huntingdon 3m 2f hcp hdl 0-90 (5) gs.
Harlaxton (IRE) 100-1 (11-0) In rear, behind from 7th, tailed off when pulled up 2 out in race won by Paddleyourowncanoe (11-0) at Southwell 2m 4f mdn hdl (4) gd in Sept, 13 ran.
Little Al 4-1 (11-9) Always prominent, challenged over 2f out, outpaced by winner over 1f out, 2nd of 15, 13l behind Shalone (11-5) at Uttoxeter 2m nhf (6) gs in May.
Seattle Spy (USA) 100-1 (10-7) Mid-division on inside, outpaced 3 out, weakened next, 8th of 16, 18l behind Gamma Velorum (10-8) at Market Rasen 2m 1f cnd sll hdl (4) gd in Aug.
Bijou Love (IRE) 100-1 (10-5) Mid-division, not fluent 5th, weakened after 7th, 8th of 15, 41l behind Diamond Harry (10-12) at Uttoxeter 2m nh nov hdl (4) gs.
Standing Order 15-2 (10-8) Prominent 4f, soon dropped out and pulled up in race won by Megasue (10-7) at Worcester 2m nhf (5) gd in Aug, 11 ran.
