chased leaders, joined winner after 8th, ridden approaching 3 out, weakening when jumped right 2 out
made all, cleared 2 out, readily
held up, ridden and headway after 8th, weakened before next
chased winner to 8th, soon weakened
Balladeer looks to face a seemingly straightforward task and should be good enough to regain the winning thread, which he is taken to do at the main expense of Araglin and Blushing Prince. The last mentioned won a maiden hurdle at Wetherby last month but was well held on a return visit to the Yorkshire venue in handicap-company subsequently and, although open to improvement, has plenty to find on official BHB ratings with the selection. Towcester winner Cush Jewel is more exposed than most of these and, while she is consistent, is likely to again find at least one too good. With Prayerful moderate at best, Araglin looks the best bet for the forecast spot. Sue Wilton's four-year-old has struggled under a penalty since winning a maiden hurdle at Market Rasen in October and, although the son of Sadler's Wells ran well when a close third behind Albuhera at Chepstow on his next start, his latest start suggests that that flattered him. Balladeer has not always been the most reliable of customers but was easily the best of these on the flat and looks to be the best of the quintet on hurdles form as well if judged by his second to Mr Ed at Huntingdon and his win at Wincanton subsequently. Not disgraced in better company at Cheltenham last time, Balladeer has an obvious chance of resuming winning ways.
