chased leading pair 3rd, ridden to lead approaching last, soon clear, comfortably
mid-division, ridden and headway approaching 2 out, kept on, no chance with winner
mid-division, headway 4th, ridden 3 out, weakened approaching last
held up in rear, ridden and headway approaching 2 out, kept on
led, ridden and headed approaching last, weakened flat
held up towards rear, headway 4th, hung left from next, ridden and not fluent 3 out, soon weakened
chased leaders to 4th, soon behind
with leader, ridden 3 out, weakened next
chased leaders, ridden and last place 4th, rallied from 2 out, stayed on flat
An interesting contest with a number of lightly raced and potentially well treated hurdlers in opposition. They include Do l'Enfant d'Eau who had already won twice in novice company including over course and distance before making a pleasing handicap debut when a close third at Bangor last time. However, the Philip Hobbs-trained gelding has been raised a further 4lb and looks vulnerable back conceding weight all round and back over this shorter trip. Dizzy Tart has yet to win over hurdles and was most disappointing on her handicap bow last time so is passed over following a subsequent two-month absence. Navale showed improvement for better ground last time at Kempton and should go well with conditions to suit but the vote goes to Heathyards Friend. Reg Hollinshead's charge showed nothing on the level during a light campaign but has demonstrated plenty of ability over timber and was a decisive winner of a fair Doncaster seller when last seen in action. The four-year-old is capable of further progress and can take advantage of a favourable mark on his handicap debut.
