led, headed approaching 2 out, soon weakened, hit last
chased leader, pushed along to lead approaching 2 out, soon ridden, kept on well from last
held up in rear, mistake 5th, weakened 3 out
held up in touch, hit 6th, ridden approaching 2 out, kept on to take 3rd flat
chased leaders in 3rd, ridden to challenge when blundered 2 out, kept on same pace
OUR HERO is the call with El Chico and Callitwhatyalike as the alternatives. A winning pointer over three miles in Ireland, Charlie Longsdon's charge ran creditably in a Newbury novice and on that evidence, he should be good enough to take today's drop in class. El Chico showed nothing in bumpers but put up a much improved performance at Sedgefield last time out. The rider will need to be able to switch him off in order to get any help from beneath the saddle. Callitwhatyalike finished second on her debut in a Ludlow bumper in 2007. She may have needed her recent return from a long absence. Lake Wakatipu was modest on the level and seems in a similar predicament over hurdles. Briery Star was not unsupported when tried in bumpers and is one to note in the market on hurdling introduction. Our Hero is the selection.
El Chico 66-1 (11-4) Led to 2nd, chased winner, lost 2nd 2 out, kept on same pace, 3rd of 11, 12l behind Fiendish Flame (11-4) at Sedgefield 2m 1f nh nov hdl (4) hvy in Jan.
Our Hero (IRE) 100-1 (10-12) Chase leaders, 4th and beaten when left 2 out and last, 4th of 16, 18l behind Mad Max (11-5) at Newbury 2m 3f nov hdl (4) sft in Jan.
Briery Star 7-2 (11-2) Raced keenly, in touch, effort 4f out, soon ridden, one pace final 2f, 5th of 12, 26l behind Basford Lass (10-5) at Sedgefield 2m 1f mrs nhf (6) hvy in Jan.
Callitwhatyalike 40-1 (10-2) Towards rear, mistake 4th, headway next, weakened 3 out, 5th of 15, 21l behind Aqualung (10-12) at Ludlow 2m 5f nov hdl (4) sft in Jan.
Lake Wakatipu 50-1 (10-7) Mid-division, lost touch well before 2 out, tailed off, 5th of 14, well behind Pelican Point (11-3) at Uttoxeter 2m mrs nov hdl (4) hvy in Jan.
Nowzdetime (IRE) 8-1 (9-3) Led, ridden over 3f out, driven and headed over 1f out, kept on same pace final furlong, 3rd of 10, 3 1/2l behind Red Expresso (9-3) at Southwell 1m 3f mdn aut stk (6) fbs in Dec (Flat).
