led, headed after 2nd, led again 5th, ridden and headed after 3 out, kept on, no chance with winner
held up, headway approaching 4th, chased leaders approaching 2 out, no impression
headway approaching 3 out, ridden and weakened approaching next
in touch, ridden and weakened after 3 out
with leaders, every chance 3 out, soon ridden and one pace
always behind, pulled up before 7th
ridden approaching 3 out, soon weakened
soon behind, tailed off when pulled up before 7th
chased leaders, ridden approaching 3 out, soon weakened
always in touch, led on bit approaching 2 out, soon clear, very easily
mistake 6th, soon behind, pulled up after 3 out
tracked leaders, blundered 1st, led after next, headed 5th, soon weakened, tailed off when pulled up after 7th
ridden from 3rd, soon behind
ridden and weakened after 7th
behind early, good headway approaching 3 out, chased leaders approaching next, soon ridden, kept on
A treble on Saturday suggested that Nicky Henderson's stable are hitting form and Arctic Sky, making his hurdling debut but a Hereford bumper winner 152 days ago, would not have to be exceptional to show up in a maiden hurdle that lacks any real strength in depth. Martin Pipe's representative, Encore Cadoudal, who was well supported for a very good Ascot bumper on his last run but ran disappointingly, must also be on the shortlist on his hurdling bow. First Officer has clearly had his problems but showed up well for a long way in a novices' event at Wetherby nine days ago. Mister Putt ran well when third over course and distance last season and his hurdling experience will be useful here despite his 233-day absence. Gary Moore's Mowbray has been off for even longer - 499 days - so clearly has had problems. A winner four times at up to 14 furlongs on the Flat for Paul Cole, three placed efforts over hurdles would make him clear favourite for this if he was at or near his best. The winner has to come from one of the above-mentioned. Mister Putt is the each-way TEAMtalk selection but any market move for Mowbray should be noted. Of the others, Noble Deed showed little on his sole bumper run last season but, a half-brother to a winning pointer, he cost connections IR¿40,000, so should have physical qualities to recommend him. His dam is an unraced half-sister to good staying chaser Into The Red so he ought to stay well.
