held up, headway under pressure approaching 3 out, no impression on leaders
held up, brief effort after 5th, weakened 3 out
chased leaders until after 5th, behind when pulled up before 2 out
led, reminders and headed approaching 5th, soon weakened, tailed off
always prominent, every chance 3 out, weakened approaching next
chased leader, led approaching 5th, headed 3 out, weakened before next
in touch, ridden and weakened approaching 3 out, behind when pulled up before next
mid-division, lost place 5th, stayed on to go 2nd approaching 2 out, no chance with winner
held up, headway 5th, led on bit 3 out, clear next, eased flat
always behind, losing touch when jumped left 5th, well behind when ran out 3 out
Ashgar may beat Devote, who has an absence to overcome, Prince Dimitri and Shayadi. Ashgar was fancied at Towcester last time but was rather unlucky, coming off second best in a barging match with Supreme Priority. That was his first outing since August when he was also second at Southwell. Both of those events were over longer trips, and as he has had breathing problems in the past, we feel that this less exacting journey is just what he needs. He will be fitter now and is worth chancing. Devote has not been seen since March and normally runs at this level. If fit he should be there or thereabouts, while Prince Dimitri has not won since landing a juvenile hurdle at Worcester in 2002, but any money for Pipe's charge would be interesting. Shayadi was very highly rated by Mark Johnston and would murder these if taking to hurdles. He is definitely one to watch at this lowly level and it would be no surprise to us if he were to pop in at the first time of asking. However, Ashgar has a few things in his favour and is the selection.
