chased winner until before 2 out, soon weakened
jumped right, made all, mistake 6th, well clear when jumped badly right 2 out and last, eased flat
held up, not fluent 5th, lost touch from 3 out, tailed off
mistakes, held up and behind, ridden after 3 out, went moderate 3rd approaching last
held up, not fluent 3rd, went 2nd before 2 out, no chance with winner
This is a tricky one with some very interesting types from the Flat setting out on hurdling careers. Chez Hans will obviously be popular for the champion trainer after winning in Compiegne when last seen in the spring and has definite claims. Admirals Bay was a winner on the level this year for Andrew Balding so deserves consideration on this debut run for Henry Oliver, whilst similar comments of Flat success can be attributed to Manucci, very unexposed on the level, and Isle of Wolves, a reliable middle-distance handicapper. However, GOSHEN was in flying form when romping home at Nottingham when seen recently over 1m6f on the Flat and could be the one if taking to timber in a fascinating juvenile contest.
Chez Hans (GER) (9-1) won at Compiegne 1m 4f stks sft in Mar beating Foxy Power (8-8) by 3l, 11 ran.
Goshen (FR) 11-10fav (9-4) Tracked leader, led over 2f out, ran on strongly, won at Nottingham 1m 6f hcp (4) sft in Oct beating Theatro (9-3) by 7l, 8 ran.
Isle of Wolves 9-4fav (9-2) Chased leaders, ridden over 2f out, weakened inside final furlong, 4th of 6, 7 3/4l behind Knowing (9-7) at Epsom 1m 2f hcp (5) gd in Sep.
Le Grand Rocher (FR) (10-5) at Auteuil 2m 1f sft in Oct.
Manucci (IRE) 6-1 (9-4) Tracked leaders, led over 2f out, ridden clear over 1f out, stayed on well, won at Bath 1m 4f hcp (5) sft in Oct beating Beer With The Boys (8-13) by 1 1/2l, 12 ran.
Admirals Bay (GER) 9-4fav (9-4) Close up, ridden 3f out, weakened over 1f out, 5th of 9, 9 1/4l behind Narina (9-6) at Chepstow 1m 4f hcp (6) gd in Jul.
