made all, ridden approaching last, stayed on strongly
held up in touch, effort when mistake 3 out, soon ridden, weakened 2 out
towards rear, never dangerous
held up in rear, smooth headway approaching 2 out to chase leaders, effort between last 2, held when mistake last, weakened flat
tracked leader, headway and every chance 3 out, soon ridden, weakened approaching last
mid-division, weakened halfway, soon lost touch
towards rear, pushed along and outpaced after 4 out, stayed on same pace from 2 out, not troubled leaders
tracked leaders, pushed along approaching 3 out, ridden and effort next, stayed on to chase winner approaching last, kept on towards finish
held up towqards rear, fell 4th
in touch, ridden approaching 3 out, one-paced under pressure
held up in rear, lost touch after 3rd, behind when swerved left and unseated rider after next
held up in touch, ridden after 3 out, no impression from 2 out
A fairly modest novice hurdle to get proceedings underway. Charlie Swan adds a little spice to proceedings with Arctic Gold. The confirmed front-runner has yet to sparkle over hurdles this year and is probably best avoided. Martin Todhunter's novices are always respected and on this occasion, he saddles Brave Effect. The horse produced a gutsy performance at Carlisle on his only start and the fact that he started at 7/2 with the likes of Stamparland Hill in the field must shows that the yard must think something of him. Belacaccia was second to Joss Naylor last season but he was a flop on his first foray over the hurdles last month. Hollows Mill disappointed at Sedgefield and the form has not worked out. High Peak started at long odds on his racecourse appearances whilst Whistful Suzie looks unlikely to keep the prize in Scotland. The Teamtalk nod is given to Tickton Flyer. A double bumper winner at Market Rasen, he has shown signs of temperament in his races, but if the pace is sound there should be no mistakes today.
