not fluent 2nd, always in rear
always in the rear
in touch, ridden 5th, weakened 2 out
in rear, some progress 5th, no further impression
tracked leader, reminders 3rd, weakened next, tailed off when pulled up after 3 out
held up mid-division, smooth headway 3 out, led approaching last, soon clear readily
tracked leaders, ridden to chase leaders 3 out, one pace
in rear when mistakes 3rd and 5th, never a danger
mid-division, headway after 3 out, soon ridden and no impression
tracked leaders, led 4th, ridden 3 out, headed soon after and weakened
led, headed 4th, ridden 5th, weakening when pulled up before 2 out
held up towards rear, headway 5th, ridden to lead after 3 out, fading when headed approaching last
in touch and keen, ridden and weakened 2 out
Nonrunner
A tentative vote goes to Speed Venture in a wide-open looking handicap-hurdle, with Mister Moussac, Capitana and Nick¿s Choice rated the main dangers. Speed Venture unseated his rider early on in a Towcester handicap on his last start but he had previously won well at Uttoxeter and Bangor, and the John Mackie trained veteran is our choice here. However, there are plenty in with chances and it would be no surprise to see Nick¿s Choice return to winning ways following his recent Warwick second. That was on fast going and he may appreciate a return to ground with some cut in it as he showed when winning from out of the handicap at Newcastle last month. Mister Moussac was a faller at Huntingdon last September and he has not been seen on a racecourse since. Prior to his fall he notched up back-to-back wins at Worcester and Stratford. He had looked a progressive type and if he comes here fit he has an excellent chance. Meanwhile Capitana represents the in-form Nicky Henderson-team, she won at Ludlow last December and looks to be on a reasonable mark. She represents the main threat to our selection Speed Venture.
Nick's Choice 11-4fav (11-7) In touch, chased winner after 3 out, no impression flat, 2nd of 11, 4l behind Upright Ima (9-13) at Warwick 2m ldy hcp hdl (4) gf in Mar.
A Bit of Fun 33-1 (11-0) Tracked leaders, weakened 4th, soon well behind, 11th of 13, 28l behind Rojabaa (10-6) at Stratford 2m hcp hdl 0-125 (3) gs in Mar.
Pirandello (IRE) 9-1 (10-12) Chased leader, ridden and weakened approaching 3 out, 8th of 12, 26l behind Hernando's Boy (11-1) at Huntingdon 2m hcp hdl 0-125 (D) gd in Dec.
Capitana (GER) 11-4 (11-3) In touch, led 6th, ridden and headed 2 out, weakened last, 3rd of 14, 11l behind Nippy Des Mottes (11-3) at Taunton 2m 1f hcp hdl 0-115 (D) gd in Dec.
It's The Limit (USA) 100-1 (11-7) In rear, soon well behind, tailed off, 15th of 19, well behind Black Jack Ketchum (11-7) at Cheltenham 3m nov hdl Grd 2 (1) gd in Mar.
Cruise Director 3-1 (11-5) Held up, ridden and weakened approaching 3 out, 4th of 5, 18l behind Polar Gunner (11-7) at Wetherby 2m hcp hdl 0-115 (4) hvy in Mar.
Mister Moussac 4-1jt-fav (10-5) Led soon after 1st until fell at the 3rd in race won by Fire Dragon (11-10) at Huntingdon 2m 4f hcp hdl 0-120 (D) gf in Sept, 11 ran.
Speed Venture 7-2 (11-4) unseated rider in race won by Andy Gin (10-8) at Towcester 2m hcp hdl 0-110 (4) hvy in Mar, 8 ran.
