tracked leaders, driven to lead approaching 2out, ridden and headed approaching last, no extra
held up towards rear, ridden after 3 out, soon no impression
behind, ridden 3 out, soon beaten
tracked leaders, led 5th, headed before 2 out, gradually weakened
tracked leaders, slow 6th, jumped left next, weakened 3 out
led until 5th, remained prominent, under pressure 3 out, soon weakened
held up in rear, headway 3 out, every chance next, led approaching last, ridden out
pulled hard in mid-division, headway and not fluent last, stayed on well, never troubled leaders
Given the record of Nicky Henderson here the most solid option looks to be to go with GREAT REASON for the win in this novices' hurdle, though Ravethebrave and Classic Bavard could emerge as dangers. The last-named is bred to enjoy a test of stamina and hails from a yard that can ready them to win first time. He is old enough to be making his debut and related to former RSA Chase winner Lesley Ann, so there pedigree is there and the market should be checked for clues. Ravethebrave won an Irish point before joining Alan King, for whom he has had two starts over hurdles. This trip and good ground appear to suit and we expect to see further improvement today. Lambro River made the frame in an Irish point last year and should be suited by a test of stamina here, while Timmy Murphy can aid his education, but for the winner we will side with Great Reason. The Seven Barrows inmate fulfilled some promise when taking a maiden hurdle at Ludlow on soft ground last month, for which he carries a penalty. That wasn't the best race of the season and although he looks a likely winner again here, he might find this a bit tougher, though we will side with him with the better ground to assist with the weight carrying.
Great Reason 4-6fav (11-2) Prominent, pushed along after 5th, slightly outpaced approaching 3 out, soon switched left and rallied, led soon after 2 out, stayed on well to draw clear flat, won at Ludlow 2m NH mdn hdl (4) sft in Feb beating Cloudy Spirit (10-9) by 8l, 12 ran.
Badster (IRE) 25-1 (10-13) Led until over 2f out, gradually faded, 8th of 13, 30l behind Lush Life (10-13) at Kempton 2m mdn NH flat (6) gd in Apr.
Classic Bavard Classic Cliche gelding out of Anne Bavard.
Devoran Quay (IRE) 14-1 (10-10) Chased leaders, mistake 4th, weakened after 2 out, tailed off, 6th of 12, 24l behind You're So Vain (11-1) at Folkestone 2m 1f mdn hdl (4) hvy.
Dingat (IRE) 9-2 (10-7) Held up in rear, raced keenly, some headway 3 out, never in contention, 6th of 9, 30l behind Bai Zhu (10-12) at Newbury 2m 5f NH Novice Hurdle (5yo+) (4) gs.
Lambro River (IRE) 5-1 (11-7) Chsd ldrs, mstk 6th, lft in ld 6out, hdd bef 2out, fair 3rd & no impr at last, ko onepcd, 3rd of 12, 17l behind Sizing Mexico (11-7) at Dromahane 3m ire ptp hvy in Nov.
Louis Pasteur (IRE) 16-1 (11-2) Pressed leader, upsides when blundered badly 2 out, not recover, mistake last, 8th of 13, 16l behind Like A Hurricane (11-2) at Fontwell 2m 2f mdn hdl (5) gd.
Ravethebrave (IRE) 15-2 (11-3) Held up in mid-division, headway going to 3 out, not fluent last, one pace, 5th of 14, 11l behind Bostons Angel (11-13) at Doncaster 2m 3f NH nov hdl (4-7yo) (3) gs in Jan.
Heez A Cracker (FR) 16-1 (10-12) Held up last, ridden and struggling well before 2 out, modest headway flat, 7th of 10, 25l behind Open Day (11-4) at Sandown 2m 4yo nov hdl (3) hvy in Feb.