always behind, ridden and not run on from 9th, tailed off when pulled up after next
tracked leaders, went 2nd 7th to approaching 3 out, soon outpaced by leading pair and weakened
led to 6th, chased leader to next, weakened and lost touch 9th, tailed off
behind, ridden along 5th, driven and no impression 10th, tailed off 3 out
close up, went 2nd 11th, led approaching 3 out, soon ridden, headed 2 out, no extra, run in
behind, ridden and outpaced 10th, stayed on under pressure after 3 out, took 2nd, run in, no chance with winner
tracked leader, led 6th, narrowly headed approaching 3 out, led next, stayed on well, run in
in touch, weakened and behind from 10th, tailed off 3 out
in touch, lost touch 10th, tailed off
in touch, driven and lost touch after 10th, tailed off
Several have claims here including Auburn Spirit, Roman Court and Native Cunning but it might be worth taking a chance with Sparkling Spring. The Evan Williams-trained has not been seen under rules for over 1,000 days but has been in good form in point-to-points in the interim period and returns to hurdles of what looks a very favourable mark. At the likely odds he looks worth a bet and is preferred to Auburn Spirit. Mark Usher's gelding has been running over fences of late but ran with credit when returned to hurdles at Lingfield last week and is entitled to be thereabouts racing off the same mark. Robert Alner's Roman Court has shown a consistent level of form in similar contests recently and should be involved at the finish again, while course and distance winner Native Cunning may do better back here having disappointed at Hereford last time. Martin Pipe's Tomwontpayalot has failed to complete in his last three starts but has Tony McCoy back on board today and has been given a break since last seen. He makes more appeal than Dr Philip Pritchard's Happy Hussar, who normally finds at least one too good. However, in an interesting opener, it is Sparkling Spring who gets the vote.
