led, headed briefly 4th, ridden 3 out, headed 2 out, led again last, driven out flat
behind, lost touch 5th, pulled up before 3 out
prominent, led briefly 4th, ridden 3 out and weakened next
towards rear, hit 5th, ridden 3 out, soon beaten
mid-division, ridden approaching 3 out, soon beaten
tracked leaders, ridden approaching 3 out, weakened from next
mid-division and keen early, smooth headway to track leaders 3 out, soon ridden and led 2 out, headed next and one pace flat
Aleron has the form but Dunaskin has the potential, and we shall side with the latter in an interesting affair in which others to consider include Colophony and Motive. Aleron has the benefit of experience here, but a look back at his form reveals that John Quinn's charge was lucky to collect at Wetherby in November as he was held by Beamish Prince when that one came down two out. He was not given the most positive of rides on his debut over timber earlier at Market Rasen, but it was probably a combination of the fast ground and longer trip that contributed to his defeat by Stan at Catterick last time, and with conditions more amenable today, he should be very much in the shake-up. However, he comes up against a potentially useful rival in the shape of Dunaskin who was quite smart on the Flat last summer, scoring three times in all, including a good 10-furlong handicap at York. He can gallop and seems resolute, traits that will stand him in good stead as he bids to make his mark under Tony McCoy. He might prove good enough to be considered for the Supreme Novices' Hurdle, and is worth chancing here. Colophony is going the right way but is nothing special, and of more interest is the four-year-old Motive who took a heavy fall at the last when set to score on his hurdles debut over the course and distance in December. The ex-Michael Stoute inmate is one to bear in mind, but on this occasion it can pay to take on Aleron with Dunaskin.
