in touch, weakened quickly before 3 out
behind, ridden, struggling soon after 5th, weakened quickly
raced freely, led after 1st, soon clear, headed 6th, mistake 3 out, weakened quickly
led to after 1st, tracked leader, led 6th, hard-driven from 2 out, joined last, in command final 100 yards
held up in rear, good headway before 3 out, every chance 2 out, 4th and held when mistake last
held up in touch, steady headway from 5th, ridden, every chance last, no extra final 100 yards
prominent, ridden after 3 out, one-pace, ridden when mistake last
A rather disappointing turn out for the prize money on offer but connections of Ela D'Argent won't be complaining as this looks a good opportunity for the filly to bounce back to form. Martin Pipe's charge notched back-to-back novice wins at Perth and Chepstow in the autumn before disappointing under a double penalty at Haydock in October. Sure to have been freshened up by a short break and having proved here effectiveness on the ground from her days on the Flat, the daughter of Ela-Mana-Mou can resume winning ways on her handicap debut. Just A Touch faced a well handicapped rival at Folkestone last time and merits plenty of respect with conditions in his favour while course and distance winner Midy's Risk has been struggling over fences of late but is capable of going close if reproducing his best hurdling form. Dick Turpin is coming down the weights and has claims on his Fakenham novice win but Prince Slayer is unlikely to fulfil a Supreme Novice entry judged on the evidence to date.
