led 2nd, headed approaching 8th, soon beaten
tracked leader, kept on from 2 out, no chance with winner
towards rear, lost touch from 9th, pulled up before 2 out
led until headed 2nd, hit 7th, led again approaching next, clear from approaching 3 out, unextended
held up, hit 3rd, effort after 7th, tiring when blundered next, soon lost touch and pulled up before 3 out
tracked leaders, beaten from 9th
Nonrunner
Amazing Valour holds strong claims here and is selected ahead of Bally Brakes and Star Fever. Amazing Valour has been placed in five of his 13 starts and, with his form equating to the low 100s, he looks more than good enough to land this modest maiden hurdle. Bally Brakes has shown some promise and, hailing from a yard that we like a lot, has to be respected. The same stable also runs Star Fever, who seemed to be improving on his latest run. Irish raider Mickey Gilroy didn't show enough in a hunter chase last time to be considered seriously - unless the betting tells a different tale. Red Scally has been placed in three of his four bumpers and must be respected, while pointing winner, Theonebehind has not shown enough in hunter chases to be given a strong shout and the bottom pair have something to prove also. Once again, then, the vote goes to Amazing Valour.
Ballybrakes (IRE) 15-8fav (11-0) Led to 3rd, remained in touch until weakened 2 out, 5th of 10, 26l behind Harry Flashman (11-0) at Hexham 2m nh nov hdl (4) gf in May.
Mickey Gilroy (IRE) 7-2fav (11-5) Mid-division, headway to 4th 6 out, ridden before 3 out and no extra, soon weakened, 6th of 9, 24l behind What A Lad (11-5) at Down Royal 2m 7f hts chs gd in May.
Theonebehind (IRE) 40-1 (11-7) Towards rear, blundered 13th, never dangerous, 10th of 14, well behind Anshan Spirit (11-0) at Kelso 3m 1f hts chs (6) gd in May.
Amazing Valour (IRE) 7-4fav (10-11) Prominent, led 5th, ridden when not much room 9th, went 2nd flat, stayed on, 2nd of 10, 1l behind Kelnik Glory (11-2) at Worcester 3m mdn hdl (4) gf in Jun.
Indian Wind 66-1 (10-3) Towards rear, never dangerous, 8th of 11, 44l behind Dunguaire Lady (10-5) at Hexham 2m 4f nov hdl (4) gs in Jun.
Great Jane (FR) (11-1) 7th of 16 behind Varmuna (10-6) at Fontainebleau 2m 2f sft claim hdl (fillies) in Apr.
Red Scally 4-1 (10-9) Mid-division, headway after 6f, ridden and effort 3f out, chased winner over 2f out, kept on, no impression, 2nd of 12, 12l behind Barton Belle (10-11) at Southwell 2m 1f nhf (6) gd in Jun.
Star Fever (IRE) 16-1 (10-12) Held up, headway after 7th, ridden to chase leaders from 3 out, no impression, 3rd of 8, 11l behind Seafield Bogie (10-12) at Ludlow 2m 5f nh nov hdl (4) gd in May.
