held up in rear, mistake 9th, driven and headway approaching 3 out, soon ridden, weakened after next
in touch, led approaching 7th, ridden after 2 out, stayed on well flat
led to after 1st, led again 3rd to 7th, chased leaders until lost place 10th, tailed off and pulled up before 2 out
held up towards rear, ridden and outpaced 3 out, soon weakened, tailed off
led after 1st, jumped badly right second, jumped right again and headed next, not jump well after, dropped rear and pulled up after 8th
mid-division, headway to go second approaching 9th, mistake next, effort 2 out, ridden and no extra flat
raced keenly, held up and behind, headway 10th, ridden to chase leaders 2 out, kept on same pace
Hot Weld gets the confident vote in this novices' hurdle and he is taken to score at the main expense of Clever Fella and Chevet Boy. The selection showed a fair level of form over hurdles last season then made an encouraging seasonal reappearance when beaten a head by Blairgowrie at Hexham. If he can reproduce that effort here he will take the world of beating. Clever Fella has shown very little to date but he has raced only twice and if he could get a clear round then he would not be without a chance. Chevet Boy fell on his debut and if his confidence hasn't been damaged then this gelding from the Howard Johnson yard could be worth taking a chance on. Ornella Speed has shown virtually nothing so far but is from a leading yard so might have each-way prospects. However, Hot Weld sets a good standard for the rest here and is taken to score.
