always towards rear
mid-division, ridden approaching 3 out and soon one pace
mid-division, ridden 3 out, hit 2 out and no impression
towards rear, smooth headway to chase winner after 3 out, no impression from next
led headed after 6th, ridden approaching next, soon weakened
always prominent, led after 6th, clear from 2 out and driven out
mid-division, ridden and weakened from 3 out
always towards rear and tailed off from 3 out
mid-division, ridden approaching 3 out and soon weakened
tracked leaders, ridden approaching 3 out, soon one pace
Nonrunner
In division two of the maiden hurdle, Pukka, Wee Bertie and Eleazar are shortlisted, with the vote going to Pukka. Pukka was rated in the low 100s on the Flat so rates as an interesting recruit to hurdling. From a canny yard and having shown a degree of promise on his hurdling debut, he is entitled to respect today, so much so that we are making him the selection. The Howard Johnson-trained bumper winner, Wee Bertie, is also interesting, while Primus Inter Pares has knocked at the door on each of his hurdling starts to date and, with his efforts rating at around the 90-plus mark, he can go well today. Having shown promise in bumpers, Eleazar ran pretty well on his hurdling debut when sixth at Haydock; in what is not a strong event, he can go well. Abstract Folly has shown some Flat promise at up to 14 furlongs, while much as Filey Flyer's Sedgefield run last time only equates to a mark of 90 or so, that could be good enough to see him get involved today. Finally, San Deng is the type that could do well to a degree over hurdles but, for the selection, we return to Pukka.
Abstract Folly (IRE) 12-1 (9-2) In touch, hampered on bend after start, ridden 3f out, kept on one pace, 4th of 9, 2 1/2l behind Hilltop Destiny (8-9) at W'hampton 1m 4f hcap (5) pol (Flat).
Easibet Dot Net 4-1 (11-0) Held up in mid-division, smooth headway to track leader 6th, every chance 3 out, soon ridden and weakened from next, 3rd of 9, 18l behind It's A Roofer (11-0) at Perth 2m 4f mdn hdl (5) gf in Aug.
Malt de Vergy (FR) 9-4 (11-0) Keen early, mid-division, outpaced 3 out, soon weakened, 8th of 10, well behind Le Rouge Fatal (11-0) at Sedgefield 2m 1f nh nov hdl (4) gd in Oct.
Modicum (USA) 9-1 (10-7) In touch, mistakes, weakened approaching last, 6th of 19, 18l behind Eleazar (10-12) at Haydock 2m nov hdl (4) gd in Nov.
Pukka (IRE) 9-4 (10-12) Led, ridden and headed 2 out, soon weakened, 5th of 12, 21l behind Freeloader (10-12) at Market Rasen 2m 1f nov hdl (4) gd in Sept.
San Deng 10-1 (9-4) Held up in touch, chased leaders halfway, one pace final 2f, 4th of 11, 8l behind Luna Landing (9-8) at Catterick 1m 4f hcp 0-75 (5) gd in Oct (Flat).
Wee Bertie (IRE) 9-2 (10-8) Raced keenly in touch, led over 2f out, soon ridden, held on under pressure final furlong, won at Perth 2m nhf (6) gf in Apr beating Campli (10-13) by a nk, 15 ran.
Bollin Ruth 22-1 (10-8) Raced keenly, with leaders, every chance 3 out, soon ridden, kept on same pace, 2nd of 14, 9l behind Cinema (10-7) at Perth 2m hdl (4) gs in May.
