held up behind, some headway approaching 8th, soon ridden, weakened after 3 out
well behind from 8th, tailed off
in touch, headway 4th, chased winner from 9th, soon ridden, kept on same pace
in touch, ridden and headway after 8th, weakened 3 out
led until 1st, chased leaders, lost place approaching 7th, ridden approaching 4 out, rallied approaching 2 out, stayed on
chased leaders until weakened quickly after 8th, pulled up after 3 out
in touch, lost place approaching 6th, outpaced approaching 4 out, stayed on well from 2 out
prominent and took very keen hold, led 4th, made rest, ridden and edged left after 2 out, stayed on well
prominent, led 2nd until 4th, chased winner until 9th, soon ridden, weakened approaching 2 out
Not the most competitive of handicap hurdles and one that can be taken by Wee Danny, with Sam Rockett, Vague Idea and Montel Girl all likely to go well. The selection has gone up 3lb since finishing second to Reasonable Reserve at Worcester last time, which in this sort of contest is pretty good form. With 7lb taken off by his jockey, plus his liking for fast ground and proven staying ability, he can come good off a feather weight. Philip Hobbs runs old man Sam Rockett. The ten-year-old has been dropped 3lb since his last run, which gives him a chance based on his old form. He loves decent ground and says all day, but has not won off a mark higher than 86 for over three years and a place may again be his best hope. Montel Girl was all out to win at Worcester last time and has risen 5lb since then. Yet another fast ground stayer, conditions will again suit, but the weight looks likely to tell here and she might just find one too good. Meanwhile top weight Vague Idea looks interesting. Switched to hurdles here after all but one of his 17 career starts have been over fences, he comes into the race full of confidence after two wins and a second from his last three starts. A course specialist who goes well on the ground, he can be the one to give the selection most to do, though we will stick with the one with more experience over the smaller obstacles and side with Wee Danny.
