tracked leader, weakened approaching 2 out
tracked leaders, led approaching 2 out, clear approaching last, stayed on well
held up in mid-division, weakened approaching 6th, pulled up before 3 out
led, headed approaching 2 out, quickly weakened
in rear, fell 1st
held up in mid-division, pushed along after 6th, weakened approaching 2 out
held up towards rear, in touch from 5th, chased winner approaching 2 out, no impression
held up towards rear, weakened from 4th
held up towards rear, weakened from 3 out
Well Kauto Star may have been beaten in the Gold Cup on Friday but one Kauto should win as we give Alan King's KAUTO DE ROC the vote to land this Novices' Hurdle at the chief expense of Sophies Trophy and I've Been Framed. The pick's run when sixth behind Qaspal last time out reads well in the context of this race and with this a more realistic assignment for the gelding he looks to have every chance. Sophies Trophy had a good race behind Supreme Novice winner Menorah before winning well at Plumpton last time. Obviously that is also strong form but he'll have to concede weight to the selection and that might be telling. I've Been Framed will also have to concede weight here but is another with strong form with some good types so a big run isn't ruled out. Latin America is two from two at this track both of them coming in bumpers. He had a crack at the Champion Bumper last season and he'll be a lot fitter for his recent debut over timber. This is a good little contest where on these terms Kauto De Roc should be the one to beat.
I've Been Framed (IRE) 9-4fav (11-2) Tracked leader, led 4th, clear after 3 out until next, ridden out, won at Huntingdon 2m hcp hdl 0-115 (4) gs beating Alfloramoor (10-5) by 3 1/2l, 8 ran.
Sophies Trophy (IRE) 8-1 (10-12) Tracked leader, led 7th, hard ridden 2 out, stayed on well, won at Plumpton 2m 5f NH Novice Hurdle (5yo+) (4) gs beating Ravenclaw (11-5) by 3 1/2l, 11 ran.
Alexander Beetle 100-1 (11-2) Chased leaders, outpaced 3 out, soon weakened, 7th of 9, well behind Lush Life (11-2) at Ascot 2m nov hdl (3) gs in Feb.
Battle Group 40-1 (10-9) Fell 1st, in a race won by Bobby Ewing (10-12) at Doncaster 2m 3f nh nov hdl (4) gd in Dec, 14 ran.
Call Me Dave 20-1 (11-0) Behind, stayed from over 2f out, never near leaders, 5th of 14, 17l behind Hellfire Club (10-7) at Stratford 2m mdn NH flat (4) gd in Jun '07.
Kauto The Roc (FR) 14-1 (11-7) Towards rear, headway approaching 3 out, 6th and weakening when hit last, 6th of 16, 22l behind Qaspal (11-5) at Kempton 2m cond hcp hdl 0-1115 (4) gs in Feb.
Latin America (IRE) 4-1 (11-5) Held up in touch and outside, outpaced 3 out, soon weakened, 6th of 7, 38l behind Grands Crus (11-5) at Plumpton 2m 5f nh nov hdl (4) gs in Jan.
Knockvicar (IRE) 50-1 (10-8) Chased leaders, pushed along 5th, weakened before 2 out, 8th of 14, 30l behind Superius (11-1) at Wincanton 2m mdn hdl (4) gd.
Vincitore (FR) 40-1 (10-8) Towards rear, headway over 4f out, weakened over 2 out, 7th of 12, 32l behind Rock On Ruby (11-4) at Taunton 2m 1f mdn NH flat (5) gs in Feb.