led, ridden and headed 5th, weakened approaching 2 out
held up in touch, ridden and effort 3 out, one paced approaching 2 out
always prominent, driven and every chance 2 out, one paced
held up, stayed 4th, headway approaching 2 out, stayed on flat
in touch, ridden every chance 2 out, weakened next
held up, never dangerous
always prominent, led 5th, driven out
held up, headway 4th, ridden and weakened approaching 2 out
prominent, ridden and out paced 3 out, kept on approaching last
behind, mistake 5th, soon pulled up
keen, in touch, ridden 3 out, soon weakened
keen, held up, unseated rider 2nd
towards rear, pulled up after 5th, dismounted
in touch, ridden 4 out, weakened approaching last
This looks a difficult start to the day's proceedings with plenty of the 18 runners holding claims of some sort. Nicky Henderson's Bed Bug showed signs of ability in two starts in bumper-company and has shown a similar level of form in two runs over hurdles thus far. In a weak contest, he has to be respected along with Kim Bailey's Pirandello. A maiden on the flat, the son of Shalford showed enough on his hurdling debut at Ludlow to suggest a race of this nature would be within his compass. Mark Pitman's Teorban was a winner on the level in his native Poland so warrants respect on his debut in this country. Other flat recruits Don't Sioux Me, Double Destiny and Monica Geller are others worthy of a mention but this should go to Barrow, provided he is fit enough for his return to action. Off the track for 683 days, the son of Caerleon who won over two miles on the flat for John Dunlop, should appreciate a stiffer test of stamina, but Ferdy Murphy's gelding has a clear form advantage over his rivals and, if fit enough after such a long absence, should be good enough to win this.
