tracked leaders in 4th, chased winner before 3 out, kept on from last, no impression
always towards rear, effort before 3 out, never dangerous
made all, pushed along before 3 out, kept on well
tracked leaders, disputed 2nd before 3 out, one pace
tracked winner from 2nd until before 3 out, weakened after next
towards rear, reminders before 4th, pushed along before 3 out, never dangerous
held up mid-division, went 4th 2 out, one pace
always behind, pushed along from 4th
KNIGHT IN PURPLE, runner-up in the 2011 Swinton Hurdle, is the best horse on show here but tends to reserve his best for later in the season. However, he didn't run too badly last time and he'll love the predicted better ground. With Peter Carberry's useful claim taken into account, he looks acceptably treated and is taken to return to winning ways somewhat earlier than normal. Dontpaytheferryman romped away with a seller here last time but he's far better than that level and it would be no surprise to see him go well once again. His last two wins have both come at this track. Hi Dancer returned to form last time and cannot be ruled out, whilst Hunters Belt and Baaher are not to be discounted either in receipt of weight from all rivals.
Knight In Purple 4-1 (10-11) Tracked leader, every chance 3 out, ridden and weakened before 2 out, 4th of 6, 18l behind Dubai Crest (10-6) at Doncaster 2m Handicap Hurdle (0-140) (3yo+) (3) gs in Dec.
Embsay Crag 16-1 (10-12) Raced keenly, held up behind, headway on outside 6th, challenged last (usual 2 out), ridden to lead at bypassed last, stayed on well flat, won at Wetherby 2m nh nov hdl (4) sft in Dec beating Swaledale Lad (10-5) by 2 1/4l, 13 ran.
Dontpaytheferryman (USA) 7-4fav (11-3) Made all, soon clear, ridden before 2 out, stayed on well, won at Musselburgh 2m sell hdl (5) gd beating Red Skipper (11-3) by 14l, 6 ran.
Beidh Tine Anseo (IRE) 8-1 (11-3) Held up in rear, headway approaching 5th, chased leaders 2 out, left in 2nd at last, no chance with winner, 2nd of 9, 12l behind Suprise Vendor (10-4) at Kelso 2m 2f hcp hdl 0-125 (3) sft in Dec.
Hi Dancer 14-1 (10-12) Chased leaders, challenged last, no extra close home, 2nd of 7, 4l behind Amir Pasha (10-11) at Catterick 2m hcp hdl 0-115 (4) sft.
City Ground (USA) 16-1 (11-9) In rear, struggling when unseated rider 2 out, in a race won by Amir Pasha (10-11) at Catterick 2m hcp hdl 0-115 (4) sft, 7 ran.
Hunters Belt (IRE) 50-1 (10-5) Held up behind, headway before 3 out, in 4th and one pace last, 4th of 13, 8l behind Simply Ned (11-8) at Musselburgh 2m hcp hdl 0-125 (3) gs in Dec.
Baaher (USA) 7-1 (11-12) In rear but in touch, headway 11th, joined winner and blundered 5 out, led soon after, headed 4 out, one pace, 3rd of 4, 12l behind Red Tanber (11-3) at Musselburgh 2m 4f hcp ch 0-110 (4) gd.
