held up in touch, closer order after 4 out, ridden 3 out, led approaching 2 out, ridden out
mid-division, ridden when mistake 4 out, driven back in contention until weakened 2 out
prominent and keen, led 7th, headed after 8th and weakened
always in rear, tailed off approaching 2 out
always in rear
in touch, ridden 5th and soon lost touch
held up in touch, led 5th, headed approaching 7th, ridden and weakened 2 out
mid-division, ridden and weakened 2 out
towards rear, lost touch approaching halfway
held up towards rear, headway 7th, ridden to chase leaders 3 out, every chance 2 out, one pace, flat
tracked leaders, led briefly 4th, weakened 7th, tailed off
mid-division, closer order approaching 7th, ridden approaching 3 out, weakening when mistake 2 out
keen in mid-division when mistake and fell 4 out
in touch, ridden 7th and weakened
held up towards rear, smooth headway on outside 3 out to join leaders, one pace
in touch and keen, weakened 4 out
towards rear and behind when pulled up before 5th
A field large in numbers but low in quality goes to post for this novices hurdle and the market is sure to be a good guide as to what is expected but the principals look to be Alpha Gioconda, New Mischief, Bowleaze and Lin d'Estruval and the vote goes to Alpha Gioconda. The selection was a good third on his debut this season behind Cloudy Sky despite making a mistake two out. He is sure to strip fitter here and with the longer trip sure to suit he will be hard to beat. New Mischief rates the main danger he was a good second behind In The Frame when last seen on the race track and is another that is sure to be suited by the step up in trip but he may just need the run after a five month absence and for that reason he is opposed. Bowleaze is another that could go well he finished in mid-division behind Kingston Town last time and is another that will like this longer trip. However that form has since been let down so he will need to improve. Lin d'Estruval won a bumper last time out when defeating Byland. He is sure to have been well schooled for this his hurdling debut and is one to note in the market. The same comment applies to Anshabil whose yard is in top form but for the winner we return to Alpha Gioconda. who is taken to put his fitness to good use.