always behind, ridden and struggling in rear 8th, tailed off
never going well in rear, tailed off
hit 6th, always behind, tailed off
in touch, driven in 4th after 3 out, no impression
led until 3 out, dropped to 3rd, rallied next regained lead on inside last, driven out
chased leaders, hit 9th, weakened after 3 out
always behind, tailed off
chased leaders, 2nd 3 out, every chance last, weakened flat
chased leaders, mistakes 3rd and next, lost place 7th, soon tailed off, pulled up before 2 out
always behind, tailed off
chased leaders, went 2nd 8th, blundered 3 out, led soon after, ridden and headed last, weakened flat
mid-division, headway to chase leaders 8th, weakened into 5th after next, lost touch and pulled up before 2 out
chased leader until 8th soon behind, tailed off when pulled up before 2 out
THE PIOUS PRINCE looks incredibly well treated versus his best form and he is our option ahead of Dereks and Brigadore. This horse was held in exceptionally high regard during his bumpers with Lenny Lungo but things have clearly not worked out as was anticipated. Training troubles have had their part to play but the decision to drop in trip could well make the difference. Dereks was worryingly dismounted after his latest start at Newbury. This is his first drop into the grade and the market is accordingly monitored. Brigadore is better known for his exploits on the flat but Pat Rodford has landed a number of gambles over the years at this level so it would be folly to discount him. Head To Kerry still searches for his first win over hurdles after 17 starts. Broadway Allstar was exposed in a race over shorter at Taunton so the decision to step up in trip is a surprise. Of the remainder, Witch Of The Wave has ran well at this course previously in a similar contest. The Pious Prince can seize the crown on this occasion.
Head To Kerry (IRE) 13-2 (11-7) Held up in 6th, headway 6th, chased leading pair after 3 out, no impression from next, 3rd of 8, 19l behind Miss Saffron (10-9) at Fontwell 2m 4f nov hcp hdl 0-95 (5) hvy in Mar.
Brigadore (USA) 7-1 (11-7) Held up in rear, headway 4 out, soon chasing leaders, weakened before 2 out, 4th of 7, 30l behind Canshebemine (9-13) at Newton Abbot 2m 1f sell hcp hdl 0-95 (5) hvy in Mar.
Broadway Allstar (IRE) 11-2 (11-7) Chased leaders, ridden in 3rd after 3 out, one pace and no impression next, weakened into 4th flat, 4th of 11, 4 1/2l behind Hammer (11-6) at Taunton 2m 1f Selling Handicap Hurdle (0-90) (4-7yo) (5) gs.
Witch of The Wave (IRE) 25-1 (10-1) In touch, lost place 3 out, 7th of 11, 34l behind Zafranagar (11-5) at Kempton 2m nov hcp chs 0-115 (4) gd in Mar.
Pearly Star 7-2fav (11-7) In touch, raced keenly, pushed along after 6th, weakened 3 out, 6th of 14, 38l behind Sovereign Spirit (11-3) at Leicester 2m 4f sell hcp hdl 0-90 (5) gf in Dec.
Water King (USA) 50-1 (11-7) Mid-division, ridden and chased leader 3 out, kept on one pace, 5th of 21, 32l behind Wun Chai (11-4) at Wincanton 2m 6f hcp hdl 0-100 (4) gd in Mar '08.
Money Finder 40-1 (10-5) Mid-division, weakened 4 out, 9th of 13, well behind Evella (10-12) at Towcester 2m 5f nov hdl (4) gd in Mar.
Galant Eye (IRE) 8-1 (10-8) In touch until weakened 6th, soon behind, tailed off when pulled up before 2 out, in a race won by Cat Six (10-9) at Wincanton 2m 4f hcp hdl 0-90 (5) gd in Mar, 11 ran.
The Pious Prince (IRE) 11-4 (10-11) Tracked leader, weakened going to 3 out, 4th of 5, well behind Hobb's Dream (9-10) at Plumpton 3m 2f hcp chs 0-90 (5) sft in Jan.
Dayanara (USA) 20-1 (10-11) In rear, mistake 8th and ridden, kept on from last, no danger, 6th of 7, 12l behind Geography (11-5) at Plumpton 2m 5f sell hcp hdl 0-90 (5) hvy.
Night Groove (IRE) 11-2 (10-9) Held up, closed on leading pair after 4th, ridden after 3 out, soon beaten, 3rd of 7, 17l behind Indian Star (11-5) at Fontwell 2m 2f sell hdl (5) gd in Jun '08.
Super Fourteen 100-1 (10-0) In rear, lost touch from 5th, 11th of 15, well behind Captain Chris (10-12) at Kempton 2m nh nov hdl (4) gd in Mar.
Simply Brave (IRE) 125-1 (11-3) In touch, lost touch 4th, behind 5th, tailed off, 10th of 11, well behind Aachen (11-3) at Taunton 2m 1f mdn hdl (4) hvy in Feb '09.
Dereks (IRE) 33-1 (10-4) Behind, struggling in rear when pulled up before 3 out, in a race won by Gala Evening (10-12) at Newbury 2m 5f hcp hdl 0-130 (3) gd in Feb '09, 20 ran.
