in touch, led last, ridden, hung left last, headed, not quickened towards finish
keen, mid-division, headway 5th, ridden approaching 2 out, weakened approaching last
mid-division, headway 4th, ridden after 3 out, weakened approaching last
led, headed after 1st, led again 5th, ridden when hit 2 out, headed last, ran on to lead towards finish
mid-division, hampered 3 out, kept on flat
mid-division, weakening when hampered 3 out
behind, some headway after 5th, hung left after next, soon weakened
keen, led after 1st, headed 5th, every chance when fell 3 out
keen, mid-division, pushed along after 5th, soon weakened
towards rear, headway approaching 5th, ridden 3 out, weakened approaching next
in touch, ridden after 3 out, weakened before next
chased leaders, mistake 5th, weakened next
In an interesting contest, Craven gets the shout over Fier Normand, with the best of the rest hat possibly best fitting Idris. Craven and Fier Normand have created very favourable impressions in scoring over hurdles this season, and they are both very likeable. Our preference is just for the latter. Idris's form rates in the 100s, which could be enough to get him in the money, as does Easter Present's, with the latter being one of four Henrietta Knight runners. Ludlow bumper winner My Skipper disappointed on his hurdling debut, Witness Run should improve for his debut effort and Posh Act, a stable companion of My Skipper and Easter Present, and John Diamond, have plenty to like on breeding, so watch how they go, but, for the selection, we will stick with Craven.
Craven (IRE) 9-2 (11-2) In touch, headway 5th, hit 2 out, hit last, stayed on strongly to lead towards finish, won at Newbury 2m mdn hdl (E) gs in Dec beating Private Be (11-2) by 1/2l, 25 ran.
Fier Normand (FR) 10-11fav (10-12) Keen, in touch, ridden to join leader and hit 2 out, led and hung left approaching last, ran on, won at Bangor 2m 1f nh nov hdl (E) hvy in Dec beating Fourty Acers (10-12) by 2l, 18 ran.
Easter Present (IRE) 25-1 (11-0) In touch, mistake 1st, mistake and unseated rider at the 2nd in race won by Iris's Gift (11-10) at Bangor 2m 4f nov chs (C) gs in Oct, 7 ran.
Idris (GER) 4-1 (11-2) Chased leader, ridden approaching 2 out, kept on from last, 3rd of 13, 7l behind Acambo (11-2) at Taunton 2m 1f mdn hdl (D) gf in Nov.
John Diamond (IRE) 7-1 (10-11) Held up in touch, smooth headway over 5f out, weakened final furlong, 5th of 17, 9l behind Night Safe (10-11) at Huntingdon 2m nhf (H) gd in Dec.
Just Touch Wood 25-1 (10-13) Held up, never dangerous, 13th of 16, 33l behind Apollo Lady (10-4) at Huntingdon 2m nhf (H) gd in Dec.
Kilkilian (IRE) 10-1 (10-13) Held up, headway 3f out, no impression on leaders when hung left over 1f out, 12th of 18, 27l behind Ringaroses (10-13) at Ludlow 2m nhf (H) gd in Dec.
Lordington Lad 100-1 (11-0) Held up, never dangerous, 15th of 19, well behind Blu Teen (11-0) at Lingfield 2m nov hdl (D) sft in Dec.
Posh Act Rakaposhi King gelding, half-brother to winners Door To Door and The Laird's Entry.
Sapient Karinga Bay gelding out of winning bumper Twenty Winks.
Take Time Teenoso gelding, half-brother to winning chaser Sorciere.
Thenameescapesme 25-1 (11-2) Held up towards rear, headway approaching 6th, weakened last, 4th of 17, 13l behind Livingonaknifedge (10-11) at Uttoxeter 2m mdn hdl (F) hvy in Dec.
Witness Run (IRE) 4-1 (11-0) Held up, headway 5th, chased winner after 7th, weakened after 3 out, 4th of 13, 32l behind Pedros Brief (11-0) at Windsor 2m 4f nh mdn hdl (E) gs in Dec.
Wotashambles (IRE) 33-1 (10-13) In touch, mistake 2nd, ridden and weakened 4 out, 9th of 16, well behind Tokala (11-4) at Hereford 2m 3f nh nov hdl (4) sft.
My Skipper (IRE) 9-4fav (11-0) Held up mid-division, driven half way, soon weakened, tailed off when pulled up 3 out in race won by Square Mile (11-0) at Market Rasen 2m 3f nh nov hdl (E) gd in Oct, 12 ran.
Kossies Mate 100-1 (10-5) Prominent, weakened 7th, tailed off 3 out pulled up at the last in race won by Prestbury Knight (10-12) at Taunton 2m 3f nh nov hdl (E) gd in Dec, 9 ran.
