tracked leaders, led 4 out, headed next, led again last, headed and no extra run-in
with leaders, lost place 4th
led, headed 4 out, led again next, blundered 2 out, headed last, kept on run-in
held up and keen, hit and weakened from 5th
mid-division, headway 2 out, led run-in, kept on well
tracked leaders and keen, weakened approaching 3 out
prominent, every chance last, kept on run-in
held up towards rear and keen, behind when fell 2 out
held up mid-division, lost place 3rd
always behind and keen
always towards rear
held up towards rear, headway to chase leaders approaching 4 out, weakened approaching 2 out
Greenbelt has stepped up from his level of form on the flat and is our choice to land this ahead of Quicuyo and Description. Greenbelt made his hurdling debut in ground heavier ideal at his first attempt at two miles. It was encouraging to see him step up from that with a win at Wetherby, beating former listed class performer Akarem. Akarem did not leave the form down behind Blue Bajan and the third Rodrigo Gonzales has since landed a novice hurdle so the form has a solid look to it. Quicuyo is another improved performer off the level. Despite only winning what appeared a very moderate Carlisle novice hurdle, he followed that victory up by beating a highly regarded pair last time. Only 1lb seperates Quicuyo and Greenbelt on BHA ratings but under a double penalty Greenbelt may just have the edge. Description shapes as though he needs a trip have landed an Irish point-to-point and staying on gamely to land a ladies bumper under today's rider. He will have no problem picking up races but over further. St Wilfrid has proved a bitter disappointment since connections paid 80k for the gelding following a bumper success. He is best watched until a return to form is displayed. Greenbelt is taken to land this novice hurdle.
Quicuyo (GER) 6-1 (11-5) Tracked leaders, led 3 out, kept on well, won at Ayr 2m hdl (3) hvy in Dec beating Rightway Star (11-5) by 3/4l, 10 ran.
Greenbelt 14-1 (10-12) Chased leaders, led 5th, headed 4 out, led last, driven out, won at Wetherby 2m nov hdl (4) gs in Dec beating Akarem (11-5) by 1l, 16 ran.
Bretton Woods (IRE) 9-1 (10-7) Soon pushed along and behind, never dangerous, 8th of 16, 50l behind Bold Ransom (10-7) at Newcastle 3m nov hdl (3) sft in Jan.
Description (IRE) 11-1 (11-1) Always prominent, outpaced 3 out, rallied from next, no chance with winner, 2nd of 16, 11l behind Kealshore Boy (11-4) at Newcastle 2m nov hdl (4) gs in Jan.
Dowd's Destiny (IRE) 6-5fav (11-2) Held up, headway over 5f out, ridden and weakened over 3f out, 9th of 12, well behind Killyglen (11-2) at Ayr 2m nhf (6) sft in Nov.
Frank Crow 66-1 (11-4) Mid-division, ridden and weakened from 4 out, 9th of 15, well behind Halla San (11-4) at Musselburgh 2m nov hdl (4) gs in Jan.
Mr Guppy (IRE) 18-1 (11-1) Mid-division, reminders 5th, never on terms, 9th of 16, 33l behind Kealshore Boy (11-4) at Newcastle 2m nov hdl (4) gs in Jan.
Riverhill (IRE) 40-1 (11-1) Led before 3rd, chased winner, lost place before 4 out, soon weakened, 15th of 16, well behind Kealshore Boy (11-4) at Newcastle 2m nov hdl (4) gs in Jan.
Robin de La Folie (FR) 80-1 (10-9) Held up, ridden 3 out, never dangerous, 13th of 16, 45l behind Harcas (11-0) at Perth 2m mdn hdl (4) gd in Jul.
Skipping Chapel 22-1 (10-13) Held up and mistakes, never dangerous, tailed off when pulled up 3 out in race won by Quws Law (11-6) at Ayr 2m 4f nh nov hdl (4) hvy in Jan, 16 ran.
Sting (GER) 100-1 (10-9) Behind, not fluent 4th, never dangerous, 9th of 16, well behind Akarem (10-12) at Kelso 2m nov hdl (4) gs in Nov.
St Wilfrid 13-2 (11-6) Mid-division until weakened 3 out, 8th of 13, well behind Domino Dancer (10-7) at Catterick 2m mdn hdl (4) gd in Dec.
Top Mark 40-1 (11-4) Blundered 1st in mid-division, lost place from 5th, 11th of 15, well behind Halla San (11-4) at Musselburgh 2m nov hdl (4) gs in Jan.
Destiny Hill 33-1 (11-2) Mid-division, close up 3 out, soon ridden and weakened from next, 6th of 13, 18l behind Rosie All Over (11-8) at Kelso 2m 2f mrs nov hdl (4) hvy in Jan.
Fort Amhurst (IRE) 8-1 (9-2) Held up, bumped early, never dangerous, 9th of 10, 14l behind Ragheed (8-5) at Newmarket 1m 3yo hcp (3) gf in Jul (Flat).
