tracked winner, not fluent 3rd, challenging on bend before 2 out, soon beaten
tracked leaders, raced keenly, 4th and weakening when fell 2 out
tracked leaders, raced keenly, pushed along after 7th, soon outpaced, stayed on approaching last to go 4th, no impression
held up in touch, lost place after 7th, behind when not fluent 3 out, tailed off
took keen hold in rear, weakened after 7th, behind when veered left and unseated rider 2 out
held up, headway after 7th, went 3rd approaching 2 out, no impression
made all, mistake 4th, in command when not fluent 2 out, soon went further clear, ran on well
held up in rear, not fluent 4th, headway approaching 3 out, weakening when not fluent and hampered 2 out
SECRET STASH may be able to make the most of the weight that he receives from Benartic and Love Of Tara as he steps up in trip. Alison Thorpe's charge showed ability in bumpers and stepped up on the form of his first attempt over hurdles to finish second at Ffos Las and Hereford with the first two finishing clear of the field in the latter. He's bred to appreciate this longer trip and may be able to make the necessary improvement. Strictly, he has a tough task as Love Of Tara is rated 13lbs higher yet only concedes five and Martin Keighley's mare has enjoyed a fine season. She saw out three miles well at this track last time when chasing home the useful Strawberry and holds leading claims. Benartic made the perfect start to his hurdling career when overcoming the challenge of Simply Wings at Ludlow at which time he held a Festival entry but he'll need to step up considerably on the bare form which hasn't really worked out at this stage. Major Harry looks most interesting of the remainder but we'll take Secret Stash to lower Love Of Tara's colours.
Benartic (IRE) 11-4 (11-4) Tracked leaders, hit 3rd and 4th, mistake 5th, hit 7th, led after 8th, edged left flat, ridden out, won at Ludlow 2m 5f mdn hdl (4) gs in Feb beating Simply Wings (11-4) by 1 1/2l, 16 ran.
Day Time Run (IRE) 33-1 (11-4) Never a factor, 17th of 27, well behind Quartetto (11-0) at Navan 2m 4yo mdn hdl hvy in Dec '08.
Honourable Arthur (IRE) 11-1 (10-12) Chasing leader after 1st, 6th and weaking approaching 3 out, no chance in 5th before last, 5th of 16, 31l behind Alfie Spinner (10-12) at Exeter 2m 1f NH nov hdl 4-6yo (4) hvy in Dec.
Honourable Dreamer (IRE) 66-1 (11-4) Held up in rear, keen early, behind from 6th, 7th of 11, 50l behind Born Again (10-13) at Fontwell 2m 2f NH nov hdl (4-7yo) (4) sft in Feb.
Lygon Legend 4-1 (11-2) Disputed 2nd until over 3f out, soon weakened, 4th of 26, 36l behind Sunnyhillboy (10-11) at Huntingdon 2m NH flat (5) gf in Nov '07.
Major Harry (IRE) 5-1 (11-0) Tracked leaders, driven to challenge after 3 out, weakened before next, 5th of 18, 33l behind Sandynow (11-0) at Warwick 2m 5f mdn hdl (4) sft in Dec.
Secret Stash (IRE) 5-1 (11-3) Led until after 3 out, every chance after next, stayed on same pace approaching last, 2nd of 15, 2 1/2l behind Fahrisee (11-0) at Hereford 2m 1f NH mdn hdl (4) gs in Feb.
Supreme Plan (IRE) 28-1 (11-0) Held up in rear, mistake 6th, headway approaching 3 out, chased winner last until no extra and relegated to 4th towards finish, 4th of 15, 12l behind Wayward Prince (11-0) at Doncaster 3m mdn hdl (4) gs in Feb.
Love of Tara 7-1 (10-9) Raced wide, chased leaders, hit 4th, chased winner after 3 out, ridden before 2 out, one pace and no impression flat, 2nd of 10, 1 1/2l behind Strawberry (11-4) at Kempton 3m hdl (2) gs in Dec.
