towards rear, weakened halfway, tailed off when pulled up before 5th
in touch, dropped rear 4th, never dangerous after
led, headed 2 out, faded approaching last
tracked leaders, pushed along and outpaced 2 out, kept on flat, no impression on 1st two
held up in rear, brief effort approaching 2 out, soon weakened
held up towards rear, headway 2 out, soon ridden and no impression
held up towards rear, headway approaching 2 out, soon ridden and effort, kept on same pace
in touch, headway halfway, led 2 out, ridden out
mid-division, weakened 3 out
Nonrunner
Stamparland Hill could be the answer to this very tricky event, Dix Bay and Culcabock may provide most danger. Malcolm Jefferson's nine-year-old reverts to hurdling after tumbling down in a Wetherby chase last time. He is normally a much better horse over fences than hurdles but he is weighted accordingly and must go close with just 10st 7lb's on his back. Dix Bay showed improved form to run Brave Vision to three-quarters of a length at Newcastle last time and looks certain to be there or thereabouts again. Meanwhile Culcabock comes here at the top of his game having slaughtered a small field at Ayr last time. He still looks on a very handy mark and will be difficult to keep out of the money. Of the others previous winner Isellido has to be respected with the yard in such good form, but if his recent fall hasn't dented his confidence, Stamparland Hill should be the one to collect first prize.
