mid-division, headway on inside 5th, led 2 out, ran on well, easily
held up in touch, jumped right 2nd, ridden when jumped slowly 3 out, soon slightly outpaced, stayed on steadily from 2 out
chased leader until after 3rd, ridden and weakened 3 out
pulled hard in rear, headway after 3rd, led approaching 4th, headed next, weakened before 3 out
mid-division, headway on outside after 4th, close up when hit 3 out, steadily weakened
held up in touch, disputed lead from 5th until 3 out, no impression on leading pair before 2 out
chased leaders, lost place after 3 out, no real danger after
never better than mid-division
led, headed approaching 4th, regained lead 5th, ridden and headed 2 out, not fluent last, no impression
held up and behind, headway after 5th, no impresson after 3 out
took keen hold in mid-division, some headway from 2 out, never near leaders
held up in touch, ridden 5th, weakened before 3 out
held up, stayed on steadily from 2 out, never near to challenge
A tricky heat to work out, but we'll side with French Saulaie ahead of Cathedral Rock and Golden Oak. This is a weaker race than the selection's last two races at Cheltenham and Haydock and although he has to give weight away to all, he could be good enough. The ex-French gelding has shown that he handles testing conditions, and should appreciate the return to this sharper track. A live danger could be Nick Gifford's Cathedral Rock who makes his hurdling debut today. He should be watched for signs of confidence in the betting, and if positive, it can be assumed that he will be fit enough to do himself justice. Golden Oak is an interesting runner for his powerful stable, but after nearly 3 years off the track, it can be assumed that he may need the run. However, the fact that Jonjo O'Neill has persevered with him shows that he must have some ability. Perhaps of more interest for this race could be Niver Bai. The best of his two hurdles runs to date came on testing going, so it can be assumed that he can make the frame at least today. The betting should help guide the way to the newcomers and those returning from long absences, however we will side with Phillip Hobbs' French Saulaie to land the spoils.
French Saulaie (FR) 7-4 (11-5) Held up, headway after 4 out, ridden next, kept on from last, 4th of 10, 6l behind Mohayer (11-2) at Haydock 2m nh nov hdl (4) hvy in Dec.
Cathedral Rock (IRE) 25-1 (10-11) Held up, pushed along and progess inside final 3f, stayed on inside final furlong, never nearer, 4th of 12, 11l behind Joyryder (11-4) at Newbury 2m nhf (5) gs in Mar.
Constantius 100-1 (11-0) Always behind, 10th of 18, well behind Duc De Regniere (11-0) at Newbury 2m nov hdl (2) gs in Dec.
Golden Oak (IRE) 7-1 (10-8) Tracked leaders, pushed along over 3f out, ridden over 2f out, no impression final furlong, 2nd of 11, 3 1/2l behind Wild Cane Ridge (11-4) at Carlisle 2m 1f nhf (H) hvy in Mar '04.
Guns of Love (IRE) 100-1 (10-12) Always behind, 15th of 16, well behind Amaretto Rose (10-5) at Ascot 2m nov hdl (4) gs in Dec.
Ipay Isay (IRE) Bob Back gelding, full brother to bumper winner Boberelle.
Kathleens Pride (IRE) 4-5fav (12-0) fell at the 2nd in race won by Rock Trooper (12-0) at Bredwardine 3m ptp gd in May, 11 ran.
Leac An Scail (IRE) 28-1 (10-12) Led until 4th, with winner until weakened after 7th, behind when pulled up 3 out in race won by The Entomologist (10-12) at Fakenham 2m 4f nov hdl (4) gs in Dec, 13 ran.
Little Shilling (IRE) 22-1 (10-7) Held up mid-division, keen hold, headway over 4f out, soon ridden and no impression, 5th of 10, 20l behind Johnny Bissett (11-0) at Huntingdon 2m nhf (6) gs in Dec.
Niver Bai (FR) 10-1 (10-12) Towards rear, ridden 6th, weakened 3 out, 9th of 14, 46l behind Here's Johnny (11-5) at Exeter 2m 3f nov hdl (4) gs in Dec.
Safari Adventures (IRE) 13-2 (11-1) Always behind, 11th of 13, well behind Pangbourne (11-11) at Folkestone 2m 1f nhf (6) gs in Feb.
Saunders Road (IRE) 66-1 (10-5) Held up, weakened 4 out, 8th of 10, well behind Mohayer (11-2) at Haydock 2m nh nov hdl (4) hvy in Dec.
Silverbar 25-1 (10-4) Always behind, 9th of 13, well behind Openditch (11-0) at Hereford 2m 1f nhf (6) gs in Dec.
St George's Day 100-1 (11-0) Not fluent in rear, mistake and struggling 4th, tailed off, 5th of 8, 39l behind Sir Jimmy Shand (11-0) at Folkestone 2m 1f nh nov hdl (4) hvy in Nov.
The Wexford Man (IRE) 50-1 (10-12) Always behind, tailed off, 10th of 16, 46l behind Nictos de Bersy (10-12) at Chepstow 2m 4f nov hdl (4) sft in Dec.
Hiho Silver Lining 16-1 (10-12) In touch, hit 4th, weakened 3 out, 8th of 16, 28l behind Charmatic (10-12) at Towcester 2m mrs nov hdl (4) gd in Apr.
Just Playfull 50-1 (11-1) Mid-division, ridden halfway, soon struggling, 10th of 14, 23l behind Appleaday (10-11) at Ludlow 2m nhf (4) gs in Dec.
She's The Lady 66-1 (11-4) Pulled hard, led after 2f, headed over 5f out, weakened over 2f out, 17th of 18, well behind Karello Bay (11-4) at Sandown 2m mrs lst nhf (1) sft in Mar.
