chased leaders, lost place 6th
in touch, ridden approaching 2 out, one pace
held up, ridden approaching 3 out, soon weakened
held up towards rear, struggling from 6th
held up in rear, headway approaching 3 out, led 2 out, stayed on well
led, ridden and headed approaching 2 out, soon weakened
mid-division, chased leaders after 5th, weakened approaching 2 out
held up, headway to track leaders approaching 3 out, ridden to challenge 2 out, every chance last, not quicken flat
chased leaders, lost place 6th
chased leader, led after 3 out, headed approaching 2 out, one pace
Nonrunner
Nonrunner
Nonrunner
A wide open handicap hurdle here and amny would have chances on their best form but the principals look to be Grand Slam Hero, Le Grande Villez and Hi Dancer and the narrow vote is given to Grand Slam Hero. The selection goes on any ground and had every chance until falling last time out and off what remains a fair mark he looks a value bet. Le Grande Villez rates the main danger on his latest third behind Solway Sunset, that form has since been well advertised but he often finds less than expected off the bridle and is taken on with this in mind, Hi Dancer won well last time out when beating Upright Ima but he is best when allowed to dominate and as he looks sure to be taken on for the lead he is opposed. Oniz Tiptoes is in the form of his life and won well last time out when beating Litron but he looks vulnerable under his penalty. Hot Zone was a fair third behind Accumulate last time and looks sure to improve for the step up in trip while Lunar Crystal has been doing well in claimers of late but this looks tougher and for the winner we return to Grand Slam Hero who looks a good each way bet.
Grand Slam Hero (IRE) 9-1 (11-7) Dwelt, took keen hold, prominent, mistake 5th and fell 5 out in race won by Commemoration Day (10-11) at Worcester 2m 4f hcp hdl 0-125 (3) gd, 15 ran.
Lunar Crystal (IRE) 7-2 (10-13) Made all, ridden 3 out, driven clear approaching 2 out, comfortably, won at Fontwell 2m 4f clm hdl (5) gs in May beating Atlantic Rhapsody (11-3) by 15l, 12 ran.
Hi Dancer 8-1 (10-13) Held up behind, good headway after 4 out, led 2 out, stayed on well, won at Wetherby 2m hcp hdl 0-110 (4) gf in May beating Upright Ima (10-8) by 3l, 14 ran.
Mr Shambles 14-1 (10-12) Chased leader, led 2nd, ridden approaching 2 out when not fluent, headed approaching last, no impression, 2nd of 15, 6l behind Fortunate Dave (10-6) at Market Rasen 2m 6f hcp hdl 0-115 (4) gf in May.
Hot Zone (IRE) 7-1 (10-13) Mid-division, headway after 4th, led before 2 out, headed last, not quicken, 3rd of 15, 1 1/2l behind Accumulate (10-0) at Hereford 2m 1f hcp hdl 0-120 (3) gf.
La Grande Villez (FR) 3-1fav (11-12) In touch, chased winner approaching 3 out, ridden 2 out, no impression, lost 2nd after last, 3rd of 15, 16l behind Solway Sunset (9-7) at Aintree 2m 4f mrs hcp hdl (4) gd in May.
Oniz Tiptoes (IRE) 11-8fav (11-0) Led to 4th, tracked leader, led again 8th, ridden 4 lengths clear last, held on towards finish, won at Sedgefield 2m nov chs (4) gf beating Litron (11-0) by 1/2l, 7 ran.
Fortunate Dave (USA) 5-1fav (10-6) In touch, ridden approaching 2 out, led approaching last, kept on well, won at Market Rasen 2m 6f hcp hdl 0-115 (4) gf in May beating Mr Shambles (10-12) by 6l, 15 ran.
