held up, steady headway when reminders 6th, weakened 2 out
in touch, took closer order 5th, every chance when fell
always going well and in touch, led on bit 2 out, left clear last, easily
tracked leaders, lost place 5th, soon tailed off
towards rear, headway 6th, ridden to chase leaders after 3 out, weakened approaching 2 out
held up, ridden 6th, no impression
led, ridden when headed 2 out, left poor 2nd last
in rear, not fluent, weakened 6th, tailed off when pulled up
prominent, ridden and weakened 4 out, tailed off when pulled up
The form of Hidden Weapon's course and distance success has been given a boost by the runner-up but he could struggle to concede weight to the likes of Aigle D'Or, Inchloch, Single Player and Wind Instrument. Aigle D'Or, a Listed winner on the Flat, missed 2007 but could prove to be a classy recruit to hurdling for his powerful connections. Wind Instrument is well regarded but has something to prove following a disappointing run at Wincanton whilst Single Player may be best watched until proving that he retains his ability unless the market vibes are positive. There are no such concerns with Inchloch who ran well behind Pasco last time but he has plenty to find with the selection on their Flat form and Aigle D'Or looks to be the one to side with here.
Hidden Weapon 25-1 (10-5) Held up, smooth heady travelling well approaching 2 out, chased leader before last, driven and stayed on flat to lead final strides, won at Lingfield 2m 3f nov hdl (4) gs in Nov beating Go Amwell (10-12) by a hd, 12 ran.
A French Horse (FR) 33-1 (11-0) Slow jump 1st, always rear, well behind 2 out, 14th of 15, 27l behind Master Medic (11-0) at Folkestone 2m 4f mdn hdl (5) gf in Oct.
Aigle D'or (9-2) Mid-division, 6th halfway, ridden over 1f out, never in contention, 6th of 9, 2 1/2l behind Vendangeur (9-2) at Longchamp 1m 7f Grp 2 (1) gd in Sept '06 (Flat).
Can't Buy A Thrill (IRE) Accordion gelding, brother to winning jumper/bumper Youlbesolucky.
Castlemaine Vic (IRE) 50-1 (10-9) Always in rear, ridden halfway, soon struggling, tailed off, 9th of 11, 45l behind Seven Is My Number (11-4) at Ascot 2m nhf (3) gd in Nov.
Humbel Cone (IRE) 50-1 (11-0) Mid-division until weakened approaching 3 out, tailed off, 10th of 12, well behind Dr Hart (11-0) at Ascot 2m 6f nh mdn hdl (3) gf in Dec.
Inchloch 11-1 (11-0) Mid-division, headway after 5th, close 5th 2 out, soon ridden, stayed on run-in, 3rd of 18, 3 1/2l behind Pasco (11-0) at Newbury 2m mdn hdl (4) gs in Dec.
Single Player (IRE) 66-1 (11-0) Tracked leaders, ridden after 5th, faded from next, 10th of 18, 30l behind Group Captain (11-0) at Newbury 2m mdn hdl (4) gs in Dec.
Wind Instrument (IRE) 11-2 (10-12) Held up mid-division, headway after 3 out, soon ridden, weakened 2 out, 8th of 14, 34l behind Cryptic (10-12) at Wincanton 2m 6f nov hdl (4) gs in Nov.
Worcester Lodge 40-1 (8-11) Always behind, 9th of 10, 15l behind Polish Power (8-11) at Kempton 1m 4f hcap (5) pol in Apr '06 (Flat).
Miss Colmesnil (FR) 20-1 (10-9) Mid-division, hit 6th, ridden next, weakened 8th, behind when pulled up at the last in race won by Launde (11-2) at Leicester 2m mdn chs (4) sft in Feb '06, 11 ran.