led, ridden and headed approaching 2 out, mistake last, stayed on same pace
held up in 5th, took keen hold, effort after 3 out, weakening when mistake 2 out
tracked leader, raced freely, challenged 3 out until before 2 out, soon beaten
tracked leaders, pulled hard, hit 1st and 5th, not fluent 3 out, soon weakened, tailed off
tracked leaders, took keen hold, hit 3 out, led when pecked 2 out, mistake last, driven out
held up in last, went 3rd flat, never nearer
PADDY THE HARE was a bit novicey on his hurdling debut at Uttoxeter but found enough between the obstacles to see off the more experienced Dubai Crest. He should know more today and can double his winning tally, though Kayaan is certainly capable of making a race of it. Pam Sly's gelding showed promise in his first season over timber and won a Leicester handicap on the Flat last month. King Olav has been lightly raced over hurdles but has also won on the level this year and can't be left out of calculations.
King Olav (UAE) 9-2 (10-12) Tracked leaders, ridden approaching 2 out, weakened last, 9th of 13, 23l behind Iolith (10-12) at Kempton 2m nh nov hdl (4) gd in Nov.
Nesno (USA) 100-1 (11-0) Keen, soon in touch, weakened 4 out pulled up before next, in a race won by Overturn (11-6) at Ayr 2m nh nov hdl (4) gs in Mar '10, 10 ran.
Paddy The Hare (IRE) 10-1 (10-12) Held up in rear, took keen hold and not fluent, headway 3 out, switched left and challenging when jumped right 2 out, driven to lead towards finish, won at Uttoxeter 2m 4yo nov stks (4) gf beating Dubai Crest (11-2) by 3/4l, 7 ran.
Champagne Style (USA) 4-1 (9-6) Tracked leader, ridden and every chance over 2f out, weakened final furlong, 6th of 8, 6l behind Munsarim (9-7) at Ayr 1m hcp 0-85 (4) gf (flat).
Kayaan 9-1 (10-7) Held up well in rear, pulled hard, headway after 3 out, went 4th 2 out, no impression on leaders, 4th of 14, 16l behind Higgy's Ragazzo (10-13) at Market Rasen 2m 1f nh nov hdl (4) gd in Apr.
Ananda Kanda (USA) 10-1 (9-9) Held up towards rear, pushed along before 3 out, soon weakened, 6th of 8, well behind Bollin Felix (11-2) at Newcastle 2m nh nov hdl (4) hvy in Feb.