chased leader, led 3rd until after next, weakened after 2 out
not fluent, always behind, tailed off when pulled up before 5th
prominent, ridden 5th, weakened approaching 3 out, behind when pulled up before 2 out
in touch, ridden to chase winner throughout, one pace from last
held up, headway from 3 out, stayed on to go 2nd last, no impression on winner
pulled hard early in rear, brief effort approaching 2 out, soon beaten
led until 3rd, led again after 4th, headed after 3 out, mistake 2 out, soon weakened
always behind, tailed off when pulled up before 5th
prominent until jumped slowly 3rd, well behind when pulled up before 2 out
held up, headway when not fluent 5th, weakened approaching 3 out, tailed off
always behind, tailed off when pulled up before 2 out
jumped left and unseated rider 1st
Kentucky King and Virtus are two very interesting newcomers here and the vote goes to the first named, Debbie may do best of the experienced runners. This isn't the strongest of hurdle races and Kentucky King, who was rated in the eighties on the flat, will have been well schooled by his shrewd handler. The same can be said of Virtus, who hails from the powerful Phillip Hobbs yard. This well bred son of Machiavellian had just one outing on the flat back in June of last year when finishing a close up fourth in a Haydock maiden. He has obviously had some training problems, but if anyone can bring out the best in him it is Hobbs. Debbie is no world beater but did manage a victory in a modest event at Uttoxeter, before chasing home Alroyal. If the debutantes faulter she could be the one to benefit. If Hi Tech does take his chance he will be a big danger, even with his penalty, but Kentucky King could be a decent recruit to this game and is given the nod.
