led until after 3 out, weakened quickly
held up in touch, headway after 4 out, led next, headed 2 out, no extra
in touch, outpaced 4 out, headway next, led 2 out, ran on well
tracked leaders, effort 3 out, weakened next
tracked leader, shaken up and under pressure 4 out, weakening when not fluent next, pulled up before last
held up in rear, in touch, headway 3 out, soon every chance, weakened flat
held up in rear, in touch, ridden 4 out, soon weakened
Nike Walker looked held before falling in the Elite Hurdle last time but this represents a massive drop in grade for David Pipe's gelding and he is taken to resume winning ways here, getting the verdict ahead of Zirkel and Mohayer. The last mentioned disappointed at Haydock last time but the more testing conditions today should suit Don McCain's gelding and he has to be respected. Pam Sly's Glinton is capable but he may be a shade high in the weights at present, while Take A Mile is hard to recommend on recent form. Alan King's Zirkel was good value for his win at Warwick last time and has to be respected but a 9lb rise for that success looks harsh and preference is for Nike Walker who is taken to make the most of the drop in class.
Glinton 7-2 (11-0) Raced keenly, led 2nd, jumped right throughout, headed 6th, weakened 3 out, 4th of 8, 17l behind Oceanos des Obeaux (11-0) at Uttoxeter 2m beg chs (4) gs.
Mohayer (IRE) 13-2fav (11-2) Chased leaders, weakened approaching 3 out, 10th of 19, 22l behind Adopted Hero (10-8) at Haydock 2m hcp hdl 0-135 (3) gd in Apr.
Stumped 50-1 (11-1) Led to approaching 2 out, weakened quickly, 12th of 18, 36l behind The Tother One (10-8) at Sandown 2m 6f hcp hdl 0-130 (3) hvy.
Boss Imperial (FR) 20-1 (11-3) Held up, ridden and beaten approaching 2 out, 6th of 7, 26l behind Ring The Boss (11-3) at Newbury 2m cnd hcp hdl 0-130 (3) gs.
Zirkel (IRE) 10-1 (11-12) Chased leaders, went 2nd 3 out, led before 2 out, not fluent last, ridden out, won at Warwick 2m hcp hdl 0-105 (4) gs beating Mossmann Gorge (9-13) by 2l, 17 ran.
Take A Mile (IRE) 8-1 (10-13) In touch, ridden 7th, weakened 2 out, 9th of 11, 49l behind Hill Forts Timmy (11-9) at Taunton 2m 3f hcp hdl 0-130 (3) gd.
Atahuelpa 16-1 (11-0) Mid division, lost place after 4th, soon behind, 15th of 17, 42l behind Zirkel (11-12) at Warwick 2m hcp hdl 0-105 (4) gs.
Nike Walker (FR) 12-1 (9-13) Prominent, headway 2 out, beaten when fell 2 out in race won by Kings Quay (11-9) at Wincanton 2m hcp hdl Grd 2 (1) gd in Nov, 10 ran.
