tracked leaders,ridden after 3 out, soon outpaced, kept on from last, no impression
held up and keen, chased leaders in 3rd approaching 3 out, ridden next, no extra when lost 3rd towards finish
led, headed approaching 2 out, kept on same pace, no chance with winner
held up, ridden approaching 3 out, soon weakened
tracked leader, led approaching 2 out, clear last, easily
pushed along towards rear, weakened approaching 3 out
This is a tricky little contest, with a number likely to be supported, but our preference is for SCREAMING BRAVE ahead of Helieorbea and Dark Oasis. Sheena West's having a decent season so far with her small string, and Screaming Brave is her only runner on the card. Previously with Mick Channon as a flat runner, he was runner up on his hurdles' debut and way clear of the remainder, and but for one jumping error could have landed the spoils. This looks a decent opportunity for him to get his head in front, over a similar trip on good ground. Helieorbea was far from a star performer on the flat, but won on his hurdling debut in a similar contest at Haydock. He may have gone up too much in the weights though to be competitive, unless he's now going to find a consistency previously lacking. Dark Oasis was 0 from 17 on the flat but is 2 from 4 over hurdles, both successes coming on good ground at Ludlow. A double penalty last time out saw just out of the frame, but he's taken to jumping like the proverbial duck to water. Zepnove had a hurdling record of two wins and two places before finishing well down the field in a listed race at Wetherby last month, but at this sort of level she'll find some support. Our backing though goes to Screaming Brave.
Dark Oasis 8-1 (11-5) Led to after 4th, lost place next, outpaced 3 out, left 4th next, no impression, 4th of 13, 17l behind Sergeant Pink (10-12) at Market Rasen 2m 1f 3yo nov hdl (4) sft.
Helieorbea 2-1 (10-12) Held up, raced keenly, headway to chase clear leading pair after 6th, closed to go 2nd when jumped left 2 out, led flat, driven out, won at Haydock 2m 3yo nov hdl (4) gd in Oct beating Tae Kwon Do (10-12) by 3l, 8 ran.
Zepnove (IRE) 7-1 (10-11) Chased leader to approaching 4th, stayed handy, reminders 4 out, weakened before 2 out, tailed off, 6th of 8, 25l behind Nicky Nutjob (10-12) at Wetherby 2m listed nov hdl (1) gd in Oct.
Quick Single (USA) 33-1 (8-7) Behind, pushed along halfway, ridden and beaten over 3f out, 4th of 5, 19l behind Farncombe (8-7) at Lingfield 1m 2f 3yo clm stks (6) pol (flat).
Screaming Brave 10-3fav (10-12) Tracked leader, headway to lead 3 out, headed when hit next, ridden and kept on under pressure flat, held towards finish, 2nd of 10, 1l behind Causeway King (10-12) at Warwick 2m 3yo nov hdl (4) gd.
Spruzzo 100-1 (10-12) Towards rear, mistake 1st, ridden and weakened after 4 out, 12th of 15, 31l behind Monsieur Jourdain (10-12) at Newcastle 2m 3yo nov hdl (4) gd in Oct.
