soon driven along, led after 1st until 3rd, led next, mistake 5th, headed next, weakened approaching 2 out
soon behind, tailed off, when pulled up before 6th
tracked leaders, led 3rd until next, led 6th, hung left from 3 out, clear when hit 2 out, eased run-in
held up, headway 6th, ridden after 3 out, one pace
in touch, tracked leaders 5th, ridden, effort approaching 2 out, kept on to go 2nd at the last, no chance with winner
led until after 1st, chased leaders, ridden after 3 out, soon weakened
held up, good headway to track winner after 6th, ridden approaching 2 out, kept on same pace
in touch until 6th, soon tailed off, pulled up before last
Nonrunner
Hi Laurie has not always looked to be the most straight-forward of customers but the way that she won at Folkestone last time suggests that Michael Scudamore's mare is more than capable of following up off today's 7lb higher mark and she is taken to do just that with Sunley Shines and Honey's Gift rated the main dangers. Sunley Shines was good value for her win here in a novices' hurdle earlier this month but Brendan Powell's mare faces a more difficult task in a handicap now, especially under these more testing conditions. Purple Patch disappointed at Exeter last time and may now be best watched, while top weight Sword Lady probably needs some help from the handicapper. Honey's Gift is gradually slipping to a fair mark and has ground conditions to suit so has to be respected but Hi Laurie showed more resolution last time and she gets the vote to follow up.
Sword Lady 25-1 (11-7) Led, ridden and headed well before 2 out, soon driven, kept on under pressure flat, last of 6, 7l behind Refinement (11-11) at Sandown 2m mrs hcp hdl (3) sft.
Kiwi Babe 50-1 (11-2) Mid-division until 6th, 11th of 13, well behind Down's Folly (11-4) at Exeter 2m 3f hcp hdl 0-115 (4) gs.
Purple Patch 33-1 (10-12) Chased leader, ridden after 6th, every chance next, weakened 2 out, 7th of 15, 19l behind Mister Quasimodo (11-5) at Exeter 2m 3f nh nov hdl (4) gs.
Sunley Shines 9-4 (10-9) Chased leader, led after 3rd, ridden after 3 out, not fluent 2 out, driven out and stayed on gamely last, won at Fontwell 2m 2f mrs nov hdl (4) gs beating Noun De La Thinte (11-0) by 3 1/2l, 12 ran.
Honey's Gift 11-1 (11-11) Held up, headway 8th, weakened approaching 2 out, 4th of 12, 18l behind Passenger Omar (11-2) at Warwick 3m 1f cnd hcp hdl 0-105 (E) sft in Dec.
Hi Laurie (IRE) 10-11fav (10-8) Jumped left at several flights, made all, clear well before last, easily, won at Folkestone 2m 1f mrs hcp hdl (4) hvy beating Flower Haven (10-0) by 19l, 5 ran.
Hilarious (IRE) 5-1 (11-1) Led, headed approaching 7th, ridden to chase leaders, kept on same pace, mistake last, 3rd of 14, 15l behind Sandmartin (10-11) at Exeter 2m 6f nov hcp hdl 0-100 (4) gs.
Lady Harriet 50-1 (11-4) Held up, took closer order 6th, disputed lead until headed after 12th, left 3rd 2 out, 3rd of 7, well behind Nas Na Riogh (11-4) at Wincanton 2m 5f mrs nov chs (D) gd in Nov '04.
Barnbrook Empire (IRE) 100-1 (10-7) Always towards rear, 11th of 15, well behind Blue Shark (11-0) at Chepstow 2m nov hdl Grd 1 (A) gs in Dec.
Carly Bay 16-1 (10-9) Mid-division, behind from 6th, 10th of 12, 34l behind Alph (11-10) at Plumpton 2m hcp hdl 0-110 (4) sft.
