held up, some progress 5th, weakened after 3 out, mistake last
led and soon clear, ridden and mistake when headed 2 out, one pace
tracked leaders, outpaced from 5th, rallied briefly approaching 2 out
tracked leader from 2nd, weakened 3 out, mistake 2 out
held up, steady headway 6th, soon chasing leaders, ridden 2 out, weakened last
held up, ridden after 5th, weakened 3 out
in touch, headway to track leaders 6th, led 2 out, mistake last, driven out
in touch, headway to track leaders 3 out, mistake 2 out, kept on but held by winner
Harry Tricker is highly thought-of and his form has a solid feel to it so Gary Moore's gelding gets the vote over Cutting Crew in what looks to be a two-horse race. It never pays to underestimate a Pipe newcomer and so a mention must be given to Star Of Angels who makes his hurdling debut today. He has the blinkers back on (left off for final few flat starts) but he was moderate on the flat and needs to improve for the switch of codes. The selection was rated in the 80s on the flat and has bumped into some decent sorts in some fair races so far this season. Today's quicker ground is likely to suit judging from his flat form and he can land this before going on to handicap company and maybe a big-race success next season. Cutting Crew was also pretty decent on the level and the form of his debut run behind Pasco looks good. He goes on any ground and if learning from that first outing he should run very well. At a price Pagan Sword could run into a place although he will be handicapped after this run, and so we will return to Harry Tricker for the winner.
Ath Tiomain (IRE) 100-1 (11-0) Mid-division until weakened 3 out, 16th of 18, well behind Pasco (11-0) at Newbury 2m mdn hdl (4) gs in Dec.
Cutting Crew (USA) 9-2 (11-3) Chased leaders, ridden to chase winner when hit 2 out, kept on same pace, 4th of 19, 17l behind Pasco (11-9) at Newbury 2m nov hdl (3) gs.
Debord (FR) 66-1 (11-5) Mid-division, weakened 3 out, tailed off when pulled up at the last in race won by Superior Wisdom (11-5) at Folkestone 2m 4f nov hdl (4) hvy in Jan, 14 ran.
Ilewin Tom 100-1 (11-3) Led, headed after 4th, weakened 4 out, 11th of 16, 41l behind Osolomio (11-3) at Chepstow 2m mdn hdl (5) gs.
Mount Usher 11-4fav (8-6) Held up, ridden along and headway 2f out, driven and kept on same pace final furlong, 4th of 8, 2 1/2l behind Fortunate Isle (9-2) at Beverley 1m 2f hcap (4) gd in May (Flat).
Tancredi (SWE) 100-1 (11-3) In touch, ridden after 5th, soon weakened, 16th of 19, well behind Pasco (11-9) at Newbury 2m nov hdl (3) gs.
With Speed (GER) 33-1 (11-3) Held up mid-division, weakened after 4th, mistake and unseated rider 4 out in race won by Super Formen (10-7) at Chepstow 2m nov hdl (4) hvy, 14 ran.
Harry Tricker 11-4 (10-12) In touch and keen, ridden after 3 out, soon outpaced, 3rd of 7, 7l behind Serabad (11-4) at Haydock 2m 4yo nov hdl (2) gs.
Stark Contrast (USA) 66-1 (10-4) Pulled hard, chased leader, hit 1st, ridden after 3 out, soon weakened, 13th of 18, well behind Song of Songs (11-9) at Wincanton 2m nov hdl (4) gs.
Star Of Angels 7-4 (9-9) Held up in rear, headway 3f out, switched right over 2f out, ridden well over 1f out, ran on one pace inside final furlong, 2nd of 8, 1l behind Gamesters Lady (9-8) at W'hampton 1m 4f hcp 0-65 (6) pol in Nov (Flat).
Namibian Pink (IRE) 14-1 (8-7) Never better than mid-division, 9th of 13, 15l behind Circus Polka (8-12) at W'hampton 1m 1f sll (6) pol in Nov (Flat).
Pagan Sword 16-1 (10-12) Held up, headway to track leaders 4 out, weakened next, 11th of 16, 48l behind Greenbelt (10-12) at Wetherby 2m nov hdl (4) gs in Dec.
