made all, ridden and stayed on well from 3 out, clear and in no danger when slipped on landing last
raced keenly, held up in 3rd until disputed 2nd from 5th, chased winner after 8, ridden and no impression before 2 out
jumped big first 2, always in rear, mistake and lost touch from 8th, tailed off
chased winner until disputed 2nd from 5th to after 8th, mistake and weakened 3 out, mistake next and last
A small but competitive field goes to post for this novices hurdle but the principals look to be Comply Or Die, Kaparolo and Brief Contact and the confident vote goes to Comply Or Die. Martin Pipe's three-year-old won well at Chepstow last time when defeating Cool Spice. Horses that were well beaten in that race have since franked the form so, despite his penalty, he is taken to score with conditions again in his favour. Kaparolo rates the main danger. He won well last time out when defeating Assoon but that race lacked strength in depth and he needs to improve to defeat the selection. Brief Contract is fit from the flat and he showed a modicum of ability over hurdles a couple of seasons ago but he may need further to be seen at his best. Teorban is from a yard in top form and is worth noting in the market but we are happy to stick with Comply Or Die, who's form looks rock solid.
