mid-division, ridden when mistake 3 out, soon weakened
tracked leaders, not fluent 5th, ridden 3 out, one pace from 2 out
mid-division, some headway 4th, ridden and weakened 2 out
mid-division, steady headway 6th, lead approaching last, quickened clear and headed, soon kept on for no extra close home
tracked leaders, ridden 3 out, weakened 2 out
held up towards rear, headway 6th, quickened with clear leader after 2 out, ridden to lead approaching last, kept on well
lead, hit 4th, headed when stumbled on bend after 2 out, pulled up before last
in touch, ridden for headway 3 out, weakened after 2 out pulled up for last
held at rear, stayed on from 3 out moderately
keen in touch, mistakes and tailed off when pulled up before 4th
prominent until lost place 4th, tailed off when pulled up when last
always mid-division
never a danger
in touch, ridden to lead 2 out, soon headed and weakened
Papillon De lena can make a successful British debut over the likes of In The Stars and Murdinga in division one of this novices' hurdle. The French-bred is not being highly tried here for his debut over hurdles and if he is half as good as most of Martin Pipe's other imports, should make a bold bid. It might not be plain sailing though, as a few of these have already been seen out including Paul Webber's In The Stars, who has shaped well enough at Uttoxeter and Taunton to warrant a mention. He was beaten a distance on the latest occasion by Pipe's Contraband who runs at Musselburgh today, and time may tell that he was facing a hopeless task that day. Flat maiden Murdinga ran third to Optimate on his hurdles bow at Leicester, form that entitles him to a bit of respect, while Lord Lington was a beaten favourite at Wetherby on his introduction to timber, failing to settle. Three times a winner in testing going on the flat in France, he is definitely worth considering for a place at the very least, but in the belief that Papillon De lena will be fit and ready, he gets the vote.