keen, in rear, headway and hit 3 out, soon ridden and weakened
towards rear, blundered 7th, held off and pulled up after next
held up in touch, headway after 3 out, ridden approaching 2 out, one pace
held up in touch, ridden after 6th, soon beaten, held off
track leader, led after 3 out, clear next, easily
led, hit 7th, ridden and headed after 3 out, held in 3rd when mistake 2 out
held up, ridden 6th, weakened approaching 3 out
held up in touch, ridden approaching 3 out, weakened approaching 2 out
This is a fascinating novice handicap hurdle that could go to Keep Smiling, with Ask For Luck and Floranz put forward as the main dangers. Venetia Williams continues to rack up the winners and this lightly raced eight-year-old can add to her tally. He was a faller over fences on his only start this season but his hurdles form of last November should be good enough to beat these rivals. Ask For Luck has shown bits and pieces of form over hurdles and can make his presence felt in this company. Floranz has similar claims, he has been quite well beaten against better opposition, but is up against some poor performers here and looks set to figure in the finish. So in conclusion this will not take too much winning and Keep Smiling does appear to have the best credentials.
