led until 2nd, reminder after next, led just after 5th, not fluent next, driven and hard pressed from 2 out, edged left flat, held on
held up in 5th, closed after 7th, not much room after 3 out, switched left and challenged 2 out, weakened flat
held up in rear, not fluent 6th, headway under pressure approaching 2 out, challenged last, stayed on, just held
tracked leaders, ridden after 3 out, weakened approaching 2 out
prominent, ridden and every chance 2 out, 3rd and held last, stayed on same pace
held up in rear, effort on outside after 3 out, weakened approaching next
took keen hold, tracked leader, led 2nd, not fluent and headed 5th, ridden approaching 3 out, 5th and beaten when jumped right 2 out
held up towards rear, not fluent 4th or 5th, headway when fell 3 out
MAC HALEN was such an easy winner on his last run we see no reason to oppose him in this handicap hurdle which leaves House Of Bourbon and Bobble Hat Bob fighting it out for minor honours. 17 lengths was the winning margin for the pick on that last run and that capped a decent run of form. Based on that run he is well treated under a penalty and if in the same mood should be following up. House Of Bourbon chases the hat-trick here after a win in a Novice and Selling hurdle. Life will be tougher back in handicap company but on this form he has a clear chance. Bobble Hat Bob was only held a length on his last run and although he is still open to some improvement the assessor hasn't taken any chances with him. Party Palace will be sharp from a solid spell on the flat and off bottom weight might be value for the places but this looks a great opportunity for Mac Halen to score again.
House Of Bourbon (IRE) 5-2fav (10-8) Tracked leaders, went 2nd after 4 out, led before next, soon hard pressed, ridden last, held on under pressure flat, won at Uttoxeter 2m 6f sll hdl (4-8yo) (5) gf in May beating King Of Castile (10-13) by 2l, 14 ran.
Armenian Boy (FR) 5-1 (11-2) Held up towards rear, headway approaching 6th, chasing leaders 3 out, soon ridden and weakened, 8th of 11, 44l behind Nortonthorpe Lad (11-4) at Newton Abbot 2m 3f hcp hdl 0-130 (3) gd in May.
Bobble Hat Bob (FR) 4-1fav (11-6) Held up, hit 3 out, pushed along in 5th before 2 out, stayed on well between last 2, challenged last, strong challenge flat, just held, 2nd of 10, nk behind Spare Me (10-13) at Market Rasen 2m 5f hcp hdl 0-115 (4) gd in May.
Mac Halen (IRE) 11-8fav (11-7) Held up in touch, chased leaders approaching 3 out, led and clear approaching next, easily, won at Newton Abbot 3m 3f hcp hdl 0-105 (4) gd beating Bubbs (10-9) by 17l, 6 ran.
Ripalong Lad (IRE) 11-1 (11-9) Tracked leaders, led 7th, headed at bypassed 2 out, soon ridden, weakened approaching last, 5th of 10, 44l behind Flying Doctor (11-12) at Cartmel 3m 2f hcp hdl 0-110 (4) gd in May.
Orion Express 25-1 (11-2) Behind, 8th and no chance when fell 2 out, in a race won by Gaspara (11-1) at Newton Abbot 2m 6f hcp hdl 0-115 (4) gd in Apr, 17 ran.
Party Palace 50-1 (10-13) Tracked leaders, driven to challenge 3 out, soon outpaced, ran on approaching last, no chance with winner, 2nd of 14, 4 1/2l behind Runaround Sue (10-6) at Hereford 2m 4f mrs hcp hdl 0-120 (3) gf in Jun '09.
Mad Moose (IRE) 4-1 (10-13) In touch in 5th, effort to chase leaders approaching 3rd, outpaced in straight 4f out, no chance, 7th of 8, 39l behind Ajman (10-3) at Ffos Las 2m hcp hdl 0-120 (3) gf.