led to 3rd, led 7th to after 12th, weakened 3 out
in touch when bumped 3rd, mistake 7th, tailed off when pulled up before 12th
behind, some headway 13th, soon tailed off
behind from 11th, pulled up before 12th
led 3rd, blundered and headed 7th, mistake 12th, soon ridden, weakened 15th, left 4th after 3 out
held up 3rd, ridden 7th, behind from 13th
always behind, tailed off when pulled up before 4 out
always prominent, headway to chase leaders approaching 3 out, challenging when blundered 2 out, ridden and led after last, ridden out
behind when mistake 4th, tailed off 10th, pulled up before 4 out
in touch, ridden 4 out, 4th and weakening when pulled up after 3 out
always prominent, led 13th, left clear 2 out, ridden and slow jump last, soon headed, finished very tired
always behind, tailed off from 9th, mistake 10th
Hirvine has the scope to be a decent staying chaser and can open his account at the expense of Whitford Don, Tana River and Legatus. This appears to be a fair contest of sorts and those mentioned should all make their mark over the bigger obstacles. This trip should bring out the best in Hirvine who had good form over hurdles including a defat of Willie John Daly at Kempton last season. The undulations of Chepstow would not have suited him on his chase debut behind Limerick Leader, but he shaped much better when staying on into third at Market Rasen recently, and although he has been novicey so far, he is still learning and will be a lot sharper here. He can make that fitness tell over Whitford Don, Tana River and Legatus who have all been absent. The latter was third to Fork Lightning over fences here last December, while Tana River ran in a Grade 3 event at Sandown in March. Paul Nicholls has a massive team of young chasers and Whitford Don is another that is sure to have been well schooled, while Clever Thyne is also one to note. A fascinating contest with an eye to the future can go to Hirvine.
