tracked leader, led approaching 4th, clear 2 out, easily
led, headed approaching 4th, ridden 3 out, soon no chance
in touch, pushed along 4th, ridden 3 out, soon weakened
raced keen, tracked leaders, weakened halfway
towards rear, tailed off from halfway, pulled up before 2 out
mid-division, weakened halfway
towards rear, mistake 2nd, mistake and unseated rider 3rd
towards rear, pushed along halfway, headway under pressure 2 out, soon ridden and no impression
mid-division, mistake and unseated rider 5th
A field large in numbers but low in quality and on closer inspection not many can be given a serious chance of winning but the main protagonists look to be Niagara, Don't Sioux Me and La Luna and we will take a chance on Niagara. The six year old has been placed many times in similar races without winning but in the hope that first time blinkers over hurdles(has won in them on the flat) will sharpen up his hurdling he is taken to score with conditions in his favour. Don't Sioux Me rates the main danger he was a fair fourth behind Italian Counsel in a handicap last time and no he is back in novice grade he will not be far away. La Luna won well last time out in a bumper and if she takes to hurdling she will not be far away. Of the remainder Scenic Lad is a winner on the flat and if she took to hurdles she would have definite place claims but we are happy to stick with Niagara.