soon held up in touch, keen early, chased leaders approaching 2 out, hard ridden, went 2nd after last, no chance with winner
held up in rear, effort before 2 out, soon weakened
held up in rear, pushed along 3 out, never on terms
held up in touch, keen hold, under pressure after 3 out, soon beaten
tracked leader, travelling well 2 out, soon driven to challenge and one pace
always prominent, led 2 out, soon in command, ran on well
led until 2 out, weakened approaching last
Jonjo O'Neill's SONOWYOUNO handled plenty of cut in the ground in point-to-points in Ireland and sets the standard on hurdles form with wins at Aintree and Lingfield and he is hard to oppose, getting the vote ahead of Master Of The Hall and Henry Hook. Victor Dartnell's gelding got up close home when winning his bumper at Kempton in April and should come on for his hurdling debut behind Like Minded at the same venue last month but he faces no easy task against the selection. Gary Moore's Firearm is bred to be useful but lacks any racecourse experience so is probably best watched in a potentially interesting novices' hurdle. Quintessentially was well held on his debut for Warren Greatrex and showed little for Carl Llewellyn previously so a bigger danger is likely to come from Master Of The Hall. Nicky Henderson's gelding won a point in his only start between the flags and showed some promise on his only start in a bumper. There could be more to come over hurdles but it is hard to get away from Sonowyouno, who looks the one to be on.
Sonowyouno (IRE) 11-8fav (11-5) Held up in touch, headway going well before 2 out went 2nd 2 out, led last ridden clear flat, won at Lingfield 2m 3f nov hdl (4) gs in Nov beating Emperor Concerto (11-5) by 2 1/4l, 11 ran.
Firearm (IRE) Son Of Sharp Shot gelding out of Arme Fatale.
Fort Severn (IRE) 6-1 (11-2) Held up mid-division, closer order halfway, one pace from over 2f out, 9th of 16, 30l behind Bangkok Pete (10-12) at Uttoxeter 2m NH flat (6) gd in May.
Henry Hook (IRE) 4-1 (10-12) Took keen hold, chased leaders, pushed along 6th, not fluent next, mistake 3 out, weakened approaching 2 out, 4th of 8, 32l behind Like Minded (10-12) at Kempton 2m 5f nov hdl (4) gd in Nov.
King of Leon (FR) 20-1 (10-12) Always rear division, 8th of 16, well behind A French Horse (10-12) at Warwick 2m 5f nov hdl (4) gd in Nov.
Master Of The Hall (IRE) 11-8fav (11-0) Held up in touch, led 3f out, headed 2f out, no extra inside final furlong, 4th of 13, 6l behind Megastar (11-0) at Sandown 2m NH flat (5) gd in Nov.
Quintessentially (IRE) 12-1 (10-12) Took keen hold, tracked leader, led approaching 8th, mistake next, ridden and headed approaching 3f out, soon weakened, 5th of 10, 41l behind Chamirey (10-12) at Uttoxeter 2m 4f nh nov hdl (4) hvy in Nov.
