chased leaders, went 2nd 5th to 3 out, weakened before next
tracked leaders, mistake 9th, went 2nd 3 out, up side 2 out, soon edged right, led final furlong, driven out, all out
led in start, mistake 1st, always behind, struggling 9th, tailed off 11th
took keen hold, held up, headway to track leading pair after 3 out, no impression when mistake last, weakened flat
held up in last pair, ridden and struggling 9th, tailed off 11th
held up in 5th, ridden before 11th, stayed on one pace from next, went moderate 3rd last
led, hit 3 out, joined next, soon bumped, headed last, rallied gamely flat, always just held
chased leader to 5th, soon lost place
The selection here is Take The Stand, with On Y Va, Art Virginia and Son Of Greek Myth rated as the main dangers. It is interesting to see high-class chaser Take The Stand racing over hurdles but, with his stable in form and first-time cheekpieces fitted, he has to be considered off a hurdling mark that is a lot lower than his chasing one. On Y Va could also be interesting off a mark of 118, as he showed better equivalent form in winning over fences last season and this lightly-raced type, who has won three of his last six completed races, is respected. Art Virginia is also lightly raced but has shown decent maiden hurdle form, so is another to consider, while Son Of Greek Myth, who races from a mark that is four pounds above his course winning mark, which came over a half-mile shorter trip, is another that can go well. However, given his seemingly favourable handicap mark, it is Take The Stand who gets the vote.
Global Challenge (IRE) 16-1 (11-12) In touch to 5th, ridden and not run on from 7th, well behind when pulled up 4 out in race won by Golden Bay (10-0) at Fontwell 2m 6f hcp hdl 0-125 (3) gs in Jan, 10 ran.
Take The Stand (IRE) 33-1 (11-10) Hampered and unseated rider in race won by Run For Paddy (10-2) at Ayr 4m 1f hcp chs Grd 3 (1) gd in Apr, 30 ran.
On Y Va (FR) 9-1 (11-2) In rear when fell at the 6th in race won by Calvic (11-10) at Ayr 3m 3f hcp chs 0-120 (3) gs in Apr, 12 ran.
Art Virginia (FR) 6-1 (11-2) Led, headed 2nd, stayed prominent, led again 5th, headed 7th, ridden 3 out, every chance 2 out, one pace when wandering approaching last, 3rd of 15, 2 1/2l behind Hero Again (11-2) at Towcester 2m 5f mdn hdl (4) gs in May.
Ingres 33-1 (10-13) Led after 2nd, headed after 6th, ridden and weakened 4 out, 10th of 11, 44l behind Lawyer Des Ormeaux (11-11) at Huntingdon 3m 2f hcp hdl 0-110 (4) gf.
Son of Greek Myth (USA) 18-1 (11-4) Always towards rear, ridden 4 out, never dangerous, 7th of 11, 21l behind Lawyer Des Ormeaux (11-11) at Huntingdon 3m 2f hcp hdl 0-110 (4) gf.
Ballyhoo (IRE) 9-1 (11-7) Mid-division, mistake 5th, ridden and effort 3 out, went 4th and mistake last, 4th of 14, 15l behind Veverka (11-1) at Worcester 3m hcp hdl 0-100 (4) gd in Sept.
Arctic Lagoon (IRE) 20-1 (10-1) Chased leaders, lost place 4 out, soon behind, 7th of 13, 35l behind Political Sox (9-11) at Perth 3m hcp hdl 0-115 (4) gs in May.
