in touch, ridden to chase leaders 5th, weakened next, well behind when pulled up before 2 out
tracked leaders, ridden and left 3rd last, one pace
held up, ridden 6th, plugged on
towards rear, ridden approaching 6th, stayed on, led 2 out, ridden clear
mid-division, headway after 6th, ridden and every chance 2 out, one pace last
led, headed 2nd, left in lead 5th, headed 2 out, held when fell last
in rear, not jump well, soon tailed off, pulled up after 5th
led after 1st, clear when fell 5th
always tailed off, pulled up before 2 out
in touch, keen, mistake 5th, ridden next, weakened approaching 2 out
In the opener, Cave Of The Giant is selected ahead of Levitski, Prince de Bersy and Super Sensation. Super Sensation comes here on a roll, having won his last two races, and he has to be considered, although the latest of his wins was a handicap off a rating of 102. Cave Of The Giant has shown enough promise over hurdles, not least when second to Kavatcha two runs ago, to be given plenty of thought in receipt of 14 pounds from Super Sensation. Much as he has won on the Flat, Comeintothespace will need to build on his hurdling debut effort, and Joe Lively's maiden hurdle second here over a longer trip last time is only modest form. Levitski was allotted a mark of 108 for his handicap debut last November and did not run too badly, and he should also be sharper for a recent spin, and Oakley Absolute's course run last time, only his second over hurdles, was not devoid of promise. The David Pipe-trained Prince de Bersy was sent off as favourite for his British debut and was beaten when being brought down. However, today's better going should serve him better and, finally, Over Ice has shown Flat promise and gets a mention. For the selection, though, we will stick with Cave Of The Giant.
