held up, ridden 3 out, weakened approaching next, behind well fell last
raced keen, led, ridden and headed approaching 2 out, soon weakened
towards rear, driven along 4th, reminders approaching 6th, soon weakened
mid-division, ridden approaching 2 out, kept on and no impression from next
in touch, headway 3 out, soon ridden, challenging when hit last, not quickened flat
chased leader, ridden to lead approaching 2 out, ran on flat
held up in rear, hit 5th, ridden and headway approaching 2 out, staying on in 3rd when fell 2 out
Pompeii, a one-time useful horse on the flat with Paul Cole, is still unexposed over hurdles and is taken to follow up his recent course success at the main expense of Win A lot and Kaikovra. The last mentioned has a 7lb penalty to carry for a win in a novices' hurdle at Hereford on Thursday and may find this tougher giving weight away all round. Win A lot lost no caste in defeat behind Xellance here in August but may want further to show his best form so the vote goes to Pompeii. The son of Salse stayed on well when scoring over course and distance in August and has solid claims off a 9lb higher mark. With Richard Guest's horses in such good form at present, Tiger Frog, Bolton Barrie and Vulcan Lane have to be respected with preference for the last mentioned of that trio but Pompeii has solid claims and is taken to continue on the upgrade over hurdles.
