held up last, headway to lead 13th soon after 3 out, beaten when blundered next
held up in 5th, driven and headway approaching 4 out, went 2nd 3 out, ridden to lead soon after, stayed on well
keen hold, tracked leader, led 3rd-6th, led 10th to 13th, weakened after next
led to 3rd, led 6th to 10th, weakened before 4 out
not fluent, tracked leading pair, mistake and dropped to last 13th, not fluent next, rallied to track leaders 3 out, went 2nd soon after, one pace flat
held up in 4th, went 3rd when hit 14th, 3rd and not chance with front pair when blundered last
Hurlers Cross has form figures that hardly inspire confidence but he looks the likeliest winner of this contest and is selected ahead of Jim Lad. Paul Blockley's 7-year-old had started to make some eye-catching headway last time out when he was unlucky to be brought down by another horse. A course and distance winner, he certainly has the most solid claims in the race and having won off 78 before, today's lowly mark of 69 looks pretty tasty indeed. His main rival may be Jim Lad who will need to disregard two poor runs, however a repeat of his run when second to Strolling Vagabond back in January see him very closely matched with the selection. Just Reuben has plenty of experience but little in the way of natural ability so must be opposed, along with Satco's Deception who is not getting better with age. All in all this looks a good opportunity for Hurlers Cross to get his head back in front.
Tuesday's Child 33-1 (11-3) Led to 4 out, weakened approaching 3 out, 6th of 8, 16l behind Clearly In Motion (11-5) at Southwell 2m 4f hcp chs 0-100 (4) gf in Mar.
Satco's Deception (IRE) 100-1 (11-9) Towards rear, steady headway from 13th, ridden and one pace, 4th of 15, 14l behind Malmo Boy (11-5) at Towcester 3m hcp chs (5) gd in Mar.
Rag Week (IRE) 25-1 (9-13) Prominent, not fluent 7th, ridden approaching 13th, weakened after 15th, last of 8, well behind Strolling Vagabond (10-6) at Fontwell 3m 4f hcp chs 0-105 (4) gd in Mar.
Just Reuben (IRE) 66-1 (10-11) Tracked leaders, went 2nd at the 4th, led 7th until 9th, soon weakened, 5th of 7, well behind Trigger The Light (11-11) at Taunton 3m nov hdl (4) sft in Feb.
Hurlers Cross (IRE) 13-2 (10-10) In rear, taking closer order when brought down at the 12th in race won by Malmo Boy (11-5) at Towcester 3m hcp chs (5) gd in Mar, 15 ran.
Jim Lad 10-3 (10-1) Chased leaders in 3rd, blundered 7th, weakened 14th, tailed off, 5th of 7, well behind Malmo Boy (10-10) at Plumpton 3m 2f hcp chs 0-90 (5) sft in Mar.
