in touch, went 2nd 6th, led 2 out, clear last, easily
led, ridden and headed 2 out, weakened approaching last
behind, headway after 6th, ridden to chase winner from 2 out, no extra flat
always towards rear, tailed off when pulled up before last
behind, headway after 3rd, weakened 7th
prominent, chased leader 3rd to 6th, weakening when mistake 2 out
in touch, stumbled badly 1st, lost place 4th, rallied approaching 2 out, kept on to take 2nd towards finish, no chance with winner
mid-division, headway 6th, ridden 2 out, weakened approaching last
Only Vintage bounced back to his best last time and can follow up that success at the expense of Barrys Ark and Briery Fox. Henerietta Knight's gelding landed a Newbury hurdle back in November, a race that traditionally throws up some decent types. The manor of that success suggests he is well above average and he should be capable of taking this event before moving on to better things. Barrys Ark was victorious in a competitive bumper last time and should go close on his hurdles debut. Meanwhile Briery Fox has similar claims having beaten what looked a decent bunch in a bumper at Wincanton. That was his first ever racecourse visit so we can expect plenty of improvement. Jack's Lad and Smart Mover both have winning form and look best of the remainder, however Only Vintage could be a bit special and is taken to to defy his penalty
