tracked leaders, ridden to lead 3 out, headed approaching last, kept on
led after 2nd, headed 6th, ridden next, stayed on from 2 out
held up, pushed along 3rd, reminders from 5th, soon struggling
held up towards rear, weakened from 4 out
held up, tracked leaders 5th, led approaching last, driven out
led, headed after 2nd, led again 6th, headed next, one pace from 2 out
held up, weakened approaching 4 out, blundered 2 out, pulled up
held up in rear, headway approaching 4 out, no impression
tracked leaders, weakened approaching 4 out
STEADY TIGER has his conditions again and can complete a hat-trick in the opener, while Ockey De Neuillac, Magellan Straits and Reindeer Dippin are among the dangers. The selection relishes cut in the ground and has won both a bumper and then more recently a novices' hurdle here at Gosforth Park when there has been plenty of juice around. Both he and Magellan Straits finished ahead of Best Lover when winning here and on a strict interpretation of that form Steady Tiger should have the edge over Sue Smith's runner. The pair of them carry penalties, as does Ockey De Neuillac, who made a successful hurdling debut at Kelso over 2m 7f and ran a respectable race over course and distance last time. He may again be tapped for toe today. Reindeer Dippin showed a bit of improvement last time and is progressing steadily, while Lord Larsson has to prove he can handle this going. Steady Tiger gets the vote.
Magellan Straits 14-1 (10-13) In touch, headway 3 out, challenged next, ridden to lead flat, kept on towards finish, won at Newcastle 2m nov hdl (4) hvy in Feb beating Best Lover (10-11) by 1 1/2l, 11 ran.
Steady Tiger (IRE) 11-4 (11-4) Tracked leaders, headway 3 out, led next, ridden and stayed on well flat, won at Newcastle 2m nov hdl (4) hvy in Jan beating Best Lover (11-4) by 2l, 16 ran.
Classic Henri 40-1 (11-2) Always behind and mistakes, 8th of 10, well behind Quwetwo (11-8) at Ayr 2m nov hdl (4) sft in Feb.
Ginger's Lad 66-1 (10-11) Held up, jumped slowly 4th, soon pushed along, never dangerous, 8th of 15, 39l behind Mighty Moon (11-4) at Newcastle 2m nov hdl (4) hvy in Jan.
Lord Larsson 11-2 (10-12) Chased leaders and keen, led 4th, headed approaching 2 out, one pace, 3rd of 16, 8l behind Palm Reader (10-12) at Catterick 2m 3f nov hdl (4) gs in Dec.
Reindeer Dippin 28-1 (10-10) Tracked leaders, left chasing winner after 5 out, no chance from 3 out, 2nd of 6, 17l behind Quartz de Thaix (11-9) at Bangor 2m 1f nh nov hdl (4) hvy in Feb.
Right Benny 200-1 (10-5) Held up mid-division, weakened from 3 out, 9th of 16, well behind Palm Reader (10-12) at Catterick 2m 3f nov hdl (4) gs in Dec.
What's Occurrin 100-1 (11-0) Prominent, led 3rd and unseated rider at the 4th in race won by Sir Tantallus Hawk (11-3) at Catterick 2m 3f nov hdl (4) gs in Feb, 16 ran.
Hathamore 66-1 (11-2) In touch, outpaced over 4f out, soon weakened, 9th of 12, 43l behind Basford Lass (10-5) at Sedgefield 2m 1f mrs nhf (6) hvy in Jan.
Ockey De Neulliac (FR) 4-1 (11-11) Held up in touch, chased winner last, no impression, 2nd of 15, 8l behind Mighty Moon (11-4) at Newcastle 2m nov hdl (4) hvy in Jan.
