always behind, tailed off from 7th
prominent until weakened 7th
behind, headway after 3 out, staying on when left 2nd last
prominent, led after 3rd, clear 6th, ridden and tiring when fell 1 length clear last
behind, pushed along 3rd, ridden 6th, never nearer
prominent, chased leader until approaching 7th, weakened 3 out, tailed off
held up in touch, chased leader approaching 7th until approaching 2 out, soon weakened
led to after 3rd, weakened quickly after 4th, tailed off when pulled up before 2 out
held up, headway 4th, ridden to go 2nd approaching 2 out, closing when left in lead last
Gazump gets the confident vote to win this handicap hurdle with Figaro du Rocher and Grimshaw heading a long list of dangers. The selection won very impressively last time out at Perth when defeating Panmure and although he has a penalty for that win he won of the style of an improver and he is taken to defy the handicapper. Figaro du Rocher rates the main danger on his latest fourth behind Dom d'Orgeval but although the step up in trip is sure to suit he appears to have his own ideas about the game so he can not be backed with any confidence. Grimshaw is also worthy of respect as he was a fair second behind Wizard Of Edge last time but that was over a longer trip and the drop in distance is not sure to suit. Stolen Song was a fair fifth behind Hernandita last time and as that form has been franked he is another with place claims. Of the remainder Russian Court has dropped to a handy market and is worth noting in the market but for the winner we return to Gazump.