tracked leaders, led after 2 out, ridden and headed approaching last, kept on one pace
led, mistake and headed 3 out, soon weakened, tailed off when pulled up before last
in touch, pushed along and lost place 3 out, weakened after next
with leader, led 3 out, ridden and headed after next, one pace under pressure
towards rear, weakened halfway, tailed off when pulled up before last
towards rear, weakened approaching 3 out, tailed off when pulled up before last
mid-division, weakened approaching 3 out
held up towards rear, headway halfway and in touch, effort 2 out, no extra approaching last
held up in rear, headway 3 out, ridden to lead approaching last, stayed on
Gary's Pimpernel failed to land the spoils when well fancied last time out and he may have to play second fiddle again here with the vote going to Villon, with Black Torrington put forward as the other danger. The selection has won both of his bumpers in decent style, and although he didn't look entirely straightforward last time when beating Gulabill at Haydock, he is difficult to overlook on his hurdling debut. Gary's Pimpernel was a beaten favourite last time when finishing a long way behind Jake Black, and as he seemed unsuited by the slow ground that day, he is hard to put forward in these testing conditions. Black Torrington showed promise on his hurdling bow last time and will be suited by the ground so is another worth a look in the market, but for the winner we return to Villon.
