in touch, lost place 3 out
chased leaders, weakened approaching 2 out
held up in touch, well beaten 4th when blundered last
led from 4th until headed after next, tailed off from 7th, pulled up before 2 out
held up, headway 6th, went 3rd approaching 2 out, one pace
in touch, ridden along 6th, soon weakened
led to 4th, led again after next, ridden and headed approaching 2 out, one pace
in rear, struggling from 5th, soon tailed off, pulled up before 2 out
always towards rear
Sun King has been in good form of late and he can land this claiming hurdle; the list of dangers is headed by Archie Babe and Red Sun. The selection has been dropped in grade after putting in a decent effort back in third behind Elaala at Wetherby last time. This looks a decent bit of placing by his trainer and he looks a solid bet to regain the winning thread. Archie Babe disappointed over the chase fences last time and has a bit to prove at present, but he has got some decent form over hurdles and it would be no surprise to see him bounce back to form. Red Sun is interesting here as he had been in good form prior to a disappointing effort last time. He was well supported in the market that day so it may have just been a blip and he should not be dismissed lightly. Kadarann is not the most reliable but he hails from a shrewd yard and he is worth a look in the market. However, for the winner we will stick with Sun King.
Archie Babe (IRE) 12-1 (11-1) Chased leaders until pushed along 3rd, soon lost place, 5th of 8, well behind Lankawi (11-3) at Hexham 2m nov chs (3) sft in Mar.
Dance World 33-1 (11-1) Chased leader to 4th, outpaced 9th, well behind from 3 out, last of 6, well behind Pepporoni Pete (11-1) at Sandown 2m beg chs (3) gd.
Hardybuck (IRE) 18-1 (10-11) Led, ridden and headed approaching 2 out, weakened from last, 3rd of 9, 12l behind Osako D'airy (11-10) at Market Rasen 2m 3f cnd hcp hdl 0-115 (4) gd.
Kadarann (IRE) 10-1 (12-5) Drpd rr & rdn 12; bad mist 14; t.o & pulled up in race won by Lanaken (12-5) at Witton Castle 3m ptp frm in May, 7 ran.
Sun King 15-2 (11-5) Tracked leaders, outpaced 4 out, kept on same pace from next, 3rd of 6, 9l behind Elaala (10-4) at Wetherby 2m hcp hdl 0-125 (3) gf.
Galloway Mac 200-1 (10-9) Held up towards rear, struggling from 6th, 10th of 16, well behind Marleybow (10-12) at Carlisle 2m 4f nov hdl (4) gd.
Storm Prince (IRE) 8-1 (11-12) Chased leaders, ridden after 7th, soon beaten, 5th of 14, 14l behind Shady Anne (10-11) at Fontwell 2m 2f hcp hdl 0-115 (4) gd in Mar.
Pitch Hill 150-1 (10-12) In touch, hit 2nd, weakened approaching 4 out, 12th of 16, well behind Marleybow (10-12) at Carlisle 2m 4f nov hdl (4) gd.
Mr Ex (ARG) 6-1 (11-5) Held up, headway 4th, ridden 3 out, weakened next, 5th of 10, 14l behind Mighty Fine (11-12) at Market Rasen 2m 3f sll hdl (4) gs in Jun.
Red Sun 9-2fav (10-12) Mid-division, ridden and weakened after 3 out, 6th of 18, 18l behind Grave Doubts (10-12) at Towcester 2m sll hdl (5) gd.
Giles (IRE) 16-1 (9-5) Pulled hard early, settled towards rear, brought down halfway brought down in race won by Cupid's Bow (9-7) at Naas 1m app hcp gd in May '04, 18 ran (Flat).
