made all, hit 5th, well in command when not fluent last 2, unchallenged
always in rear, ridden 4 out, struggling next, tailed off
tracked leading pair, went 2nd well before 2 out, soon ridden, no chance with winner
held up in last pair, went modest 4th after 3 out, staying on steadily when hit last, went 3rd towards finish
chased winner until after 6th, soon ridden, remained in 3rd until weakened 3 out, tailed off when pulled up before last
raced in 4th, went 2nd after 6th until well before 2 out, struggling in 3rd when hit last 2, relegated to 4th near finish
A poor novice hurdle by the track's standards and KING'S FOREST can account for China Gold and Dundry. Emma Lavelle's yard have been quiet of late but Crack Away Jack's run in the Champion Hurdle showed that they could be coming back to some semblance of form and this 127-rated hurdler would take all the beating if he could reproduce his third to Master Of Arts at Doncaster. China Gold found his form boosted by Dave's Dream at Sandown in the Imperial Cup. A fair sort in bumpers, he lacks matchfitness but shapes as if having a progressive profile. Dundry is better known as a middle distance performer on the artificial tracks. His hurdling form has been desperate. Overtly Blue makes an overdue return to the track after almost a year off. Carrying the famous Punchestowns colours, it is interesting that Tony McCoy has been booked to take the ride. A fascinating affair that should go the way of King's Forest.
King's Forest (IRE) 3-1 (11-7) Chased leaders, weakened approaching last, 3rd of 8, 17l behind Master of Arts (10-7) at Doncaster 2m nov hdl (4) gs in Jan.
Basis Point (IRE) 100-1 (11-2) Always towards rear, 6th of 13, 31l behind King Brex (11-2) at Kempton 2m nov hdl (4) gd in Feb.
China Gold 9-4 (11-0) Chased leaders, challenged and every chance 2 out, chased winner after, one pace and held before last, 2nd of 9, 3 1/2l behind Dave's Dream (11-5) at Newbury 2m hdl (2) gs in Dec.
Dundry 50-1 (11-3) Prominent in chasing group, ridden and weakened before 2 out, 5th of 15, 40l behind Rear Gunner (10-10) at Folkestone 2m 4f mdn hdl (4) gs in Feb.
Inchloch 40-1 (11-4) In touch, weakened 2f out, 10th of 15, 32l behind Mollys Garden (11-5) at Stratford 2m 3f nov hcp hdl 0-110 (4) gd.
Overtly Blue (FR) 4-1fav (11-2) Prominent, niggled along over 5f out, weakened over 4f out, virtually pulled up final 3f, tailed off, last of 15, well behind Arturo Uno (11-2) at Towcester 2m nhf (5) gd in Apr.
