close up, ridden 3 out, soon weakened, pulled up before next
mid-division, ridden 3 out, no impression after
held up mid-division, ridden and weakened 3 out, behind and pulled up before last
behind when badly blundered and unseated rider 1st
with leaders, led 2nd, clear from 3 out
chased leaders, ridden to chase winner approaching 2 out, no impression when not fluent last
held up in touch, ridden 3 out, no impression from next
with leaders, ridden 3 out, weakened approaching next
held up, behind when fell 2 out
mid-division, behind from 4th
A large field goes to post for this selling hurdle but on closer inspection not many can be given a serious chance of winning and the principals look to be Shalbeblue, Cal Mac and Mabel Riley and the confident vote goes to Shalbeblue. The selection was much better class than this at his best and even on his last run over hurdles which saw him finish third behind Romil Star would suffice, he goes on any ground and off what looks a fair mark he will be hard to beat. Cal Mac rates the main danger on his latest second behind Croix De Guerre but he is not the most consistent and for that reason he is opposed. Mabel Riley is another worthy of respect on her best form but she remains a maiden after 18 starts and is passed over on this occasion. Of the remainder Hi Tech is from a shrewd yard and is worth a cautionary look in the market but for the winner we return to Shalbeblue