in touch, chased leader 4th, lost place 3 out, soon ridden and beaten
behind, ridden 3 out, never on terms
chased clear leader to 4th, soon lost place, weakened 3 out
tracked leaders, challenged 3 out, ridden next, no impression approaching last
mid-division, headway 3 out, chased leaders when hit next, ridden and kept on same pace approaching last
in touch, headway to lead 3 out, drew clear approaching last, eased near finish
always behind, tailed off when pulled up before 2 out
mid-division, lost place 3rd, no danger after
raced keenly, led and clear to after 4 out, hit and headed next, soon weakened
in touch, outpaced 3 out, ridden and one pace from next
held up mid-division, headway and in touch 5th, ridden 2 out, narrow 3rd and held when fell last
mid-division, lost place 4th, soon tailed off, pulled up before 2 out
mid-division, ridden to chase leaders 3 out, weakened next
This poor maiden hurdle has the look of a match between Instructor and Regal Sunset and we take the former to score, while Amalfi Coast and People's Princess can battle out the minors. The Richard Fahey-trained selection was touched off when favourite for a Perth intermediate contest last time, but in the context of this race that was red hot form and a repeat would get him off the mark here. Regal Sunset looks the most serious challenger. He was good enough to finish 12 lengths adrift of the very useful Altilhar at Fakenham last year and went close at Market Rasen last time, so he should certainly be on the premises. Amalfi Coast has been well beaten on his two starts over timber but has shown some signs of encouragement. Both he and People's Princess, who was not disgraced at Kilbeggan on her only hurdles outing, like this faster ground and they look good enough to pick up some money, but we prefer Instructor, who can score.
Amalfi Coast 20-1 (11-0) In touch, chased winner after 4 out to neck, kept on same pace no impression, 3rd of 7, 22l behind Brave Rebellion (11-7) at Wetherby 2m 4f nov hdl (4) gf.
Instructor 9-4fav (11-8) Prominent, led approaching 4 out, ridden approaching 2 out, kept on, headed close home, 2nd of 9, nk behind Tarkani (10-2) at Perth 2m hcp hdl 0-115 (4) gd.
Medic (IRE) 8-1 (11-0) Mid-division, ridden and hung left over 3f out, weakened over 2f out, 10th of 15, 23l behind Arctic Ghost (11-0) at Uttoxeter 2m nhf (6) gf in May '06.
Montana Slim (IRE) 20-1 (11-9) Mid-division, went moderate 6th after 3 out, kept on without threatening, 5th of 18, 22l behind Slash And Burn (11-12) at Limerick 2m mdn hdl gs in Apr.
Zendaro 15-2 (9-0) Dwelt, pulled hard, headway to chase leaders 6f out, ridden over 3f out, weakened 2f out, 7th of 10, 8l behind Molem (9-5) at Lingfield 1m hcap (6) pol in Oct (Flat).
Go Figure (IRE) 5-1 (10-12) Held up, ridden 3 out, no impression, 4th of 7, 15l behind Flying Doctor (10-12) at Cartmel 2m 1f 4yo nov hdl (4) gd.
Regal Sunset (IRE) 2-1fav (10-12) Held up towards rear, headway 4th, chased winner when hit 2 out, every chance last, not quicken flat, 2nd of 15, 3 1/2l behind Rajeh (10-12) at Market Rasen 2m 1f mdn hdl (4) gf.
People's Princess (IRE) 8-1 (10-11) Held up in 8th, 6th approaching 3 out, 5th from before next, soon no impression under pressure, left 3rd run-in, 3rd of 10, 7l behind Tiermana Lady (10-13) at Kilbeggan 2m mrs mdn hdl frm in Aug.
