tracked leader, not fluent 3 out, challenged next, led soon after last, ridden out
held up behind leading trio, headway to lead narrowly 2 out, pecked and headed soon after last, no extra
led, ridden and headed 2 out, kept on
tracked leading pair, every chance when hit 2 out, kept on same pace
Just the four runners for this valuable hurdle in which the vote goes to Self Defense. Self Defense comes into this race as the highest-rated runner, racing here from a mark of 152. If he runs to anywhere the level of his Christmas Hurdle second on Boxing Day, he will be the one to beat and he also comes here fit from the Flat. Kawagino is rated 147, which is largely based on his Aintree Hurdle fourth placing last time which, in fairness, rates as very solid in the context of this race. Market Rasen Novice Hurdle winner Freeloader rates as best of the other pair but the vote stays with Sel Defense.
Self Defense 5-2 (11-8) Held up, ridden and outpaced 5th, no danger after, 6th of 8, 8l behind Royal Shakespeare (11-4) at Sandown 2m lst hdl (1) gd in Feb.
Kawagino (IRE) 125-1 (11-7) Held up, outpaced 8th, kept on approaching last, never dangerous, 4th of 9, 26l behind Asian Maze (11-0) at Aintree 2m 4f hdl Grd 1 (1) gd in Apr.
Castleshane (IRE) 10-1 (10-1) Led until ridden and headed approaching 2 out, one pace, 6th of 11, 8l behind Festive Chimes (10-3) at Huntingdon 2m hcp hdl 0-130 (3) gf.
Freeloader (IRE) 11-4 (10-12) Held up, in touch, ridden to lead 2 out, kept on well, won at Market Rasen 2m 1f nov hdl (4) gd in Sept beating Mr Shambles (10-9) by 9l, 12 ran.
