jumped well, made all, stayed on well from 4 out
chased leaders, ridden approaching 4 out, soon weakened, pulled up approaching last
took keen hold, chased winner to 4 out, soon ridden, plugged on run-in, went 3rd final strides
held up in rear, effort to chase leaders 3 out, weakened before next
in touch, hit 9th and next, no danger after 4 out
chased leaders in 4th, mistake 8th, blundered and dropped to rear 11th, some headway when blundered 2 out, one pace after
held up, headway to chase leading pair approaching 4 out, soon chasing winner, driven and no impression from last
Hobbs Hill is taken to see off Air Force One and Papini. The selection put up a scintillating round of fencing at Folkestone and while this rates as a step up in class, he appears tailor made for the game and can continue his forward progression. Air Force One confirmed his promise over hurdles when second to Wichita Lineman in the Brit Insurance Novices' Hurdle at the Cheltenham Festival. Were he able to produce such marks over the larger obstacles, he ticks all the right boxes. Papini took a heavy fall at Cheltenham earlier in the month. He was probably beaten at the time and will need to have brushed up on his technique if he is to win this. Lead On was gambled ahead of the Greatwood Hurdle but disappointed bitterly. Nevertheless, it is a surprise to see him switched to chasing so soon. Nation State beat nothing well at Exeter while Silverburn, who is the brother of last year's victor, Denman, makes his seasonal reappearance here. A race for the video and Hobbs Hill is taken to confirm his progression through the ranks.
Hobbs Hill 8-13fav (11-7) Jumped well, made all, clear before 2 out, eased flat, won at Folkestone 2m 5f nov chs (3) gd beating Jean Le Poisson (11-1) by 14l, 6 ran.
Nation State 7-1 (11-7) Chased leaders, mistake 11th, chased winner before next, ridden approaching 2 out, soon well held, 2nd of 6, 11l behind Imperial Commander (11-7) at Cheltenham 2m 4f nov chs (2) gd.
Papini (IRE) 3-1 (11-8) Prominent, went 2nd before 3rd, ridden after 3 out, disputing 3rd when fell 2 out in race won by Moon Over Miami (11-4) at Cheltenham 2m nov chs Grd 2 (1) gs, 8 ran.
Battlecry 4-1 (11-6) Led, hit 5th, headed 4 out, beaten when pulled up 4 out in race won by Ornais (11-2) at Wincanton 2m 5f nov chs Grd 2 (1) gd, 5 ran.
Air Force One (GER) 25-1 (11-7) Held up towards rear, steady progress from 7th, ridden after 3 out, staying on but held when left 2nd last, 2nd of 20, 12l behind Wichita Lineman (11-7) at Cheltenham 3m nov hdl Grd 2 (1) gs in Mar.
Lead On (IRE) 4-1fav (11-4) Mid-division, hit 3rd, ridden and no impression when hit 2 out, 8th of 19, 19l behind Sizing Europe (11-6) at Cheltenham 2m hcp hdl Grd 3 (1) sft.
Silverburn (IRE) 4-1 (11-4) Held up, headway 7th, not fluent 8th, soon no response, tailed off, 6th of 10, well behind Chief Dan George (11-4) at Aintree 3m nov hdl Grd 1 (1) gd in Apr.
