led, mistake 2nd, ridden 2 out, headed flat, rallied gamely to lead last strides
in touch, went 2nd 3rd, hit 3 out, ridden after next, weakened flat
held up in rear, ridden approaching last, led and hung left flat, headed last strides
For us, the shortlist of Admiral, Penzance, Faasel and Pay Attention picks itself here, with the vote going to Faasel. Faasel was beaten a short head by Penzance in the Triumph Hurdle last season, a race that marked them both down as very useful juveniles. Faasel receives a pound today, but, in truth, it should be close between the pair again. Admiral was unplaced in the Triumph but proved himself as good as ever this time around by winning a valuable Chepstow hurdle off a mark of 134 on his return. He is very much respected. Of the others, Pay Attention certainly warrants respect given that she is receiving so much weight from the others mentioned, and bear in mind that Gift Voucher is doubly entered on the card. Overall, though, the vote goes to Faasel.
Admiral (IRE) 16-1 (11-7) Made all, ridden approaching 2 out, kept on well, won at Chepstow 2m 4yo hcp hdl (B) gs in Oct beating Zalda (10-1) by 4l, 12 ran.
Penzance 9-1 (11-0) Held up in mid-division, steady headway 5th, led soon after 2 out, ridden and joined last, edged right flat, held on gamely near finish, won at Cheltenham 2m 1f 4yo hdl Grd 1 (A) gd in Mar beating Faasel (11-0) by a hd, 23 ran.
Faasel (IRE) 11-4fav (11-0) Held up, headway approaching 3 out, ridden to challenge 2 out, led last, driven clear flat, won at Aintree 2m nov hdl Grd 1 (A) gs in Apr beating Phar Bleu (11-0) by 7l, 12 ran.
Openide 33-1 (10-6) Led and soon clear, ridden 6th, headed 4 out, weakened quickly 2 out, 12th of 17, 24l behind The Market Man (10-13) at Cheltenham 2m 5f hcp hdl 0-140 (B) gd in Oct.
