tracked leaders, led after last, ridden out
mid-division, weakened from 4th, tailed off when pulled up before 3 out
prominent, until weakened approaching 4th, tailed off when pulled up before 3 out
always towards rear, well behind from 4th
towards rear, some headway when blundered 5th, never dangerous
chased leaders, ridden approaching 2 out, kept on same pace
held up, headway 5th, never on terms
led, ridden and headed after last, kept on under pressure
with leaders until weakened approaching 2 out
tracked leaders, ridden to challenge 2 out, not quicken from last
tracked leaders, weakened from 3 out
tracked leaders until weakened approaching 2 out
behind, ridden approaching 2 out, weakening when hit next
in touch, ridden and weakened approaching 2 out
Cherub will be all the rage here and is taken to follow up at the expense of Darab, Jimmy Byrne and Humid Climate to name but three. There will be a few long faces if Cherub fails to add to his victory over the Triumph Hurdle winner Made In Japan at Punchestown in April. Jonjo O'Neill's four-year-old should quite simply outclass this lot, despite a penalty, as prior to his win, he had finished second at Sandown and was fourth in the Triumph itself before turning the tables on his conqueror. Given a break since April, he is again being aimed at some of the better contests, including the Cheltenham Festival again. Granted, his stable is not firing on all cylinders at present, but he has bags of class and although plenty short enough, is impossible to oppose. Darab has struggled since coming to these shores and appears to have stamina limitations, while Jimmy Byrne has not impressed with his jumping. Humid Climate was pulled up on his last outing over hurdles at Aintree in the spring, and has been out of form on the level lately. All in all, with Alan Berry claiming seven-pounds, Cherub cannot be opposed.
