chased leader who was clear until before 5th, led approaching 2 out, ridden and headed when not fluent last, no impression final 150 yards
held up in last, closed 5th, squeezed along after 3 out, no impression approaching last
held up in 3rd, closed 5th, challenged 3 out, led when not fluent last, ran on well to draw clear final 150 yards
led and clear to before 5th, headed approaching 2 out, one pace
It would be disappointing were PUNJABI not up to seeing off Cape Tribulation and Medermit. The reigning champion hurdler appeared in need of the race at headquarters on seasonal reappearance having travelled well for a long way. Connections have been cautious ahead of this bid but it would have to go down as a severe failure were he not able to give away weight all around this afternoon. Cape Tribulation is a promising individual who has taken on the top horses throughout the season. Malcolm Jefferson has suggested that he may be ridden with a little more restraint today though the history of this race has shown that in testing ground, staying types who take on pacemaking duties have been able to prosper. Medermit finished ahead of our selection when the pair met at Cheltenham. Second behind Go Native at the Cheltenham Festival; that form reads well though thoughts have been circulating as to whether connections will be bidding for chasing rather than hurdling honours later in the year. Afsoun was once useful though seems to have gone completely off the boil and the percentage call has to be therefore that of opposition. Punjabi has the class to win this race and should be able to fully utilise it this afternoon.
Punjabi 7-2 (11-8) Held up behind leaders, closed 5th, chased leader after 3 out, shaken up and no extra just before last, 4th of 7, 13l behind Khyber Kim (11-4) at Cheltenham 2m 1f hdl G2 (1) sft in Dec.
Cape Tribulation 16-1 (11-7) Tracked leaders, led after 3 out, soon headed and under pressure, gradually weakened, 4th of 7, 7l behind Go Native (11-7) at Kempton 2m hdl G1 (1) gs in Dec.
Medermit (FR) 8-1 (11-4) In touch, headway to 3rd after 3 out, shaken up approaching last, kept on same pace flat, 3rd of 7, 5l behind Khyber Kim (11-4) at Cheltenham 2m 1f hdl G2 (1) sft in Dec.
Afsoun (FR) 15-2 (11-12) Held up in rear, fell 5th, in a race won by Consigliere (11-2) at Newbury 2m 1f hcp chs 0-145 (2) gs in Nov, 10 ran.
