mid-division, headway over 3f out, led over 2f out, headed inside final furlong, no extra
held up in mid-division, pushed along 3f out, ridden and kept on one pace final 2f out
held up in rear, pushed along 3f out, headway under pressure 2f out, no impression final furlong
towards rear, never dangerous
track leader, led 3f out, headed over 2f out, soon weakened
held up in touch, headway 2f out, ridden to the inside final furlong, kept on
held up in touch, ridden to challenge over 2f out, weakened approaching final furlong
in touch, ridden and weakened over 3f out
track leaders, pushed along when not clear run over 2f out, soon ridden, kept on one pace final furlong
led, ridden and headed 3f out, soon weakened
mid-division, pushed along over 2f out, staying on when not much room over 1f out, kept on one pace final furlong
towards rear, headway and effort 2f out, weakened final furlong
It may to concentrate on those who come here after a spell hurdling with Almnadia preferred to Magic Combination, Zoltano and Acceleration. The last mentioned has cut little ice in novice hurdles in the north this season and may be best watched on his return to the level and of more interest may be the ex-German Zoltano, who has disappointed over timber but should be well suited by the soft surface on his first outing on the flat in this country. However, Martin Todhunter's gelding is far from certain to stay today's trip so preference is for Almnadia. Steve Gollings has his string in good form at present and the daughter of Alhaarth has been running well over hurdles of late. It is interesting that she makes a return to the flat for the first time since October 2002 and the booking of Kevin Darley is an added plus. Magic Combination has been away from the level for a similar amount of time but his recent form over hurdles gives less room for optimism. Paul Blockley's Altitude Dancer, a winner on the all-weather this winter, failed to sparkle on his return to the turf on Friday and is probably best left out of calculations, while Doctor John has more to do than when scoring at Wolverhampton last time. Several have chances in a competitive contest but the vote goes to Almnadia.