not always fluent, held up in close 3rd, challenged on bit 3 out, soon led, readily
with leader, led after 6th, headed after 3 out, beaten 2 out
led, headed after 6th, chased leader, ridden, upsides when mistake, unseated rider 3 out
not always fluent, held up in 4th, driven to challenge, hanging right approaching 3 out, still every chance under strong pressure over 2f out, not run on
This is very modest and Jazz Dance, as the highest rated horse in the line up, gets the nod. Different Class and Salhood make the most appeal from the others. Salhood has been a hard horse to follow and his faithful supporters must surely have dwindled to just a handful these days. His ability is locked away somewhere and only he will know how much he is going to display tonight. Different Class has struggled to make an impact over fences and, even with the assistance of Tony McCoy, he is hard to recommend with maximum confidence. Therefore, Jazz Dance looks the most reliable option here. The Charlie Mann-trained gelding is well treated in comparison to his hurdles rating and, as this appears to be a good bit of placement, he can gain another boost to his confidence with a clear round tonight.
Jazz Dance (IRE) 15-8fav (11-12) Held up in touch, ridden to chase leaders 3 out, jumped left and blundered 2 out, weakened approaching last, 3rd of 7, 15l behind Elaala (10-1) at Southwell 2m 1f hcp hdl 0-125 (3) gf in Jul.
Salinas (GER) 10-1 (11-9) Held up, jumped slowly 4th, went prominent 11th, weakened after 3 out, tailed off when pulled up in race won by Young Lorcan (10-6) at Stratford 2m 7f hcp chs 0-110 (4) hvy, 7 ran.
Salhood 9-1 (11-12) In touch, chased winner 11th 4 out, weakened next, 9th of 10, 37l behind Wee William (11-1) at Market Rasen 3m 1f hcp chs 0-105 (4) gd.
Different Class (IRE) 4-1 (11-9) Held up, chased leaders 10th, ridden and weakened 4 out, 4th of 10, 29l behind Left Hand Drive (11-2) at Uttoxeter 3m hcp chs 0-105 (4) gd in Jul.
Hasanpour (IRE) 14-1 (11-10) Slow jump 1st, towards rear, some progress after 3 out, weakened approaching last, 7th of 13, 11l behind Vintage Fabric (10-4) at N Abbot 2m 3f hcp hdl 0-110 (4) gd.
