led to 13th, ridden approaching 4 out, soon weakened
tracked leader, led 13th, clear 4 out, jumped right 2 out, soon ridden, jumped right and headed last, no extra flat
held up in rear, pushed along 13th, soon weakened
tracked leaders, headway 5 out, ridden and outpaced next, stayed on under pressure 2 out, led last, kept on
held up in touch, dropped rear 5th, ridden 13th, stayed on 2 out, no impression
held up, 4th and in touch when slipped up bend approaching 8th
Another small but competitive field goes to post for this handicap hurdle and many can be given chances on there best form. Navarone, Be Upstanding and Curly Spencer are all in good form and are proven on fast ground but a chance is taken on Mr Baxter Basics. The gelding from the Venitia Williams yard is thrown in on his best form and if he jumps round without any hiccups he will be hard to beat. Navarone won well at Bangor last time out when defeating Tribal Dance however he may struggle under his penalty in this more competitive affair. Be Upstanding is from a yard in top form and is at the right end of the handicap. He won with more in hand than the winning margin suggests last time when defeating Commanche Hero and a reproduction of that effort would see him go close. Curly Spencer was slightly disappointing last time out but this faster ground may bring out some improvement. Of the remainder Merchants Friend is ultra consistent but he has never won over a trip this far before.
