chased leaders, ridden approaching 2 out, one pace and no impression
led, ridden and headed 2 out, soon outpaced
held up, ridden after 3 out, kept on from next
held up, effort after 3 out, soon outpaced, mistake last, kept on flat
chased leader, ridden approaching 2 out, kept on same pace from last
chased leaders, led on bit 2 out, driven clear approaching last
Nonrunner
This is a competitive handicap hurdle in which Astronaut, Pequenita and Little Task look to be the leading lights and the vote is given to Astronaut. The selection had an excuse for only finishing third behind Idlewild last time as he went lame on the run-in when he looked assured of at least the runners-up spot. He has had leg problems in the past but he has been running well of late and he sets a fair standard for the rest here. Little Task was a fair second at Sedgefield last time but he is an out-and-out stayer so he would probably fare better over a slightly longer trip than this. He should run his race but he is passed over on this occasion. Pequenita would be interesting if he could get near his best form but he was well-beaten last time and was pulled-up on his previous two starts so he is hard to put forward with any confidence. Wilfred is from a leading yard and and he should strip fitter for his outing at Worcester in May after a break from the track, so he is worth noting in the market. However, for the winner we will stick with Astronaut who should take plenty of beating.
Wilfred (IRE) 4-1 (11-3) Took keen hold, tracked leaders, mistake 5th, weakened approaching 7th, 10th of 14, well behind Lady Racquet (11-6) at Worcester 2m 4f hcp hdl 0-115 (D) gd in May.
Pequenita 22-1 (11-7) Led, ridden and headed after 3 out, hit 2 out, weakened last, 5th of 10, 21l behind Weston Rock (11-3) at Uttoxeter 2m 6f hcp hdl 0-110 (E) gf in Jul.
Little Task 3-1 (9-11) Held up in rear, driven 3 out, stayed on under pressure to go 2nd next, soon ridden and one pace, 2nd of 8, 2 1/2l behind Mocharamor (11-12) at Sedgefield 2m 5f hcp hdl 0-110 (E) gf.
Fantastico (IRE) 20-1 (11-2) Mid-division, ridden last, soon weakened, 9th of 14, 24l behind Croc An Oir (10-10) at Uttoxeter 3m hcp hdl 0-100 (F) gf in Jun.
Penteli 14-1 (10-1) In touch, headway 3 out, every chance next, one pace under pressure, 2nd of 15, 2l behind Beaugency (11-12) at Sedgefield 2m 5f cnd nov hcp hdl (F) frm in Jul.
Friendly Request 7-1 (10-0) Chased leaders, hit 4th, weakened after 3 out, 3rd of 9, 20l behind Almnadia (11-12) at Uttoxeter 2m 4f mrs hcp hdl (E) gf in Jul '04.
Astronaut 5-2fav (11-1) Held up, headway and mistake 8th, ridden 3 out, stayed on to go 2nd flat, eased and lost place towards finish, 3rd of 16, 7l behind Idlewild (11-6) at Uttoxeter 2m 6f cnd sll hcp hdl (G) gf in Jun.
Drumbeater (IRE) 25-1 (11-0) Pulled early, prominent, ridden and outpaced 6th, weakened after 3 out, blundered 2 out, 3rd of 5, 37l behind McBain (11-7) at Taunton 2m 3f nov hdl (E) gf in Apr.
