led, headed 2nd, stayed prominent, hard ridden from 8th, challenged and every chance when blundered 2 out, kept on one pace flat
close up, led after 8th, headed 2 out, stayed on same pace
in touch, chased leaders 8th, led 2 out, drew clear flat, readily
held up mid-division, ridden and no headway from 6th
behind, no danger from 7th
held up towards rear, ridden 7th, soon beaten, tailed off
towards rear, lost touch after 6th, tailed off when pulled before 3 out
raced wide, led 2nd, headed after 7th, weakened and beaten from 3 out, tailed off
towards rear, behind from 6th, tailed off
close up until hard ridden and weakened and after 3 out
A useful performer at his best on the flat for Mark Johnston, Double Honour has been impressive in his two starts over hurdles at Huntingdon and Exeter since joining the stable of Philip Hobbs and is taken to make it a hat-trick of victories with the longer trip expected to bring about further improvement. With yesterday's winner Puntal expected to be a non-runner, the main danger to the selection should be Calling Brave. Nicky Henderson's gelding has not always looked to be the most fluent of hurdlers though and may again be caught out in this company. Francois Doumen is represented by Foreman but the son of Monsun needs to improve on his running at Ascot last time to figure and may find the going too fast. Polish Derby and Oaks winner Kombinacja failed to sparkle on her British debut for Tom George but is probably better than she showed at Newcastle and a market move for her could be interesting, while Mac Hine looks the pick of Jonjo O'Neill's two runners. However, in a race where the remainder look a pretty ordinary bunch it is difficult to see anything other than a victory for the Hobbs-trained horse.
