tracked winner until weakened quickly 5th
towards rear, pushed along approaching 3 out, ridden and no impression from next
soon towards rear, never dangerous
tracked leaders, headway to chase winner from 4th until no extra run-in
held up towards rear, headway 5th, mistake 3 out, soon ridden and effort, weakened after next
towards rear, pushed along approaching 3 out, headway under pressure next, stayed on to chase winner run-in
in touch, pushed along 5th, soon lost place
made all, hit 3 out, stayed on strongly from next
Ipledgeallegiance, Di's Dilemma and Silver Seeker are shortlisted in this handicap hurdle and the vote is given to Ipledgeallegiance. The selection can be a frustrating sort to follow but he is in good form and did little wrong when second behind Welsh Dream at Kelso last time. He was done no favours by a loose horse in the finish to that race, and compensation could await here for his supporters. Di's Dilemma has finished second in each of her last three starts and that says it all. She is probably capable of winning a small race but the likelihood is that she will again find one too good. Silver Seeker was a fair sort on the flat but he has been a little disappointing over hurdles so far. It is too early to discard his chances but he is probably best watched at present. Similar comments would apply to Archie Babe, and for the winner we will stick with the in-form Ipledgeallegiance.
Archie Babe (IRE) 14-1 Led, headed 3 out, ridden and weakened next, 9th of 13, 23l behind Doce Vida at Doncaster 2m 3f hcp hdl 0-115 (D) gd in Dec.
Radar (IRE) 11-1 Prominent on outside, outpaced 3 out, soon behind, 9th of 12, 21l behind Rising Generation at Kelso 2m hcp hdl 0-125 (D) sft in Nov.
Caroubier (IRE) 33-1 Held up, headway after 4th, ridden after 3 out, weakened flat, 7th of 15, 17l behind He's A Leader at Warwick 2m 3f hcp hdl 0-100 (F) sft in Nov.
Di's Dilemma 6-1 In touch, headway 3 out, stayed on to chase winner approaching 2 out, no impression, 2nd of 8, 5l behind Pay Attention at Towcester 2m mrs hcp hdl (E) gs in Jan.
Ipledgeallegiance (USA) 14-1 Held up in rear, headway 2 out, ridden approaching last, every chance when hampered flat, kept on, 2nd of 13, 1 1/2l behind Welsh Dream at Kelso 2m 2f hcp hdl 0-115 (D) gd.
Only Words (USA) 25-1 Held up, ridden approaching 8th, soon weakened, 8th of 12, well behind Liberman at Market Rasen 2m 6f hcp hdl 0-110 (E) gf in Sept.
Silver Seeker (USA) 66-1 In touch, pushed along 3 out, ridden and one pace from next, 4th of 10, 11l behind Faasel at Kelso 2m nov hdl (E) sft in Jan.
Jaccout (FR) 20-1 Always behind, 9th of 13, 49l behind Torkinking at Newcastle 2m hcp hdl 0-105 (E) gs in Jan.
