held up, took keen hold, hard driven after 6th, some progress soon after, soon beaten
dropped in behind, never dangerous
held up, hampered 3rd, headway to go 4th after 6th, weakened 2 out
made all, clear 2 out, ran on well flat
mid-division when fell
chased leaders, ridden after 6th, hung left from approaching 2 out, went 2nd last, no impression on winner
mid-division, ridden after 6th, no impression
held up in rear, behind from 6th, tailed off
mid-division, headway 5th, chased winner next, soon ridden, lost 2nd last, no extra
chased leaders until ridden and weakened after 6th, well behind when pulled up
chased winner, not fluent 2nd, lost 2nd 6th, soon weakened
held up in rear, good headway 6th, ridden and weakening when hit 2 out
in touch, ridden approaching 6th, soon no impression on leaders
mid-division, raced keenly, ridden approaching 6th, weakened after
Meersbrook makes his handicap debut here and is the tentative choice ahead of Truckers Delight and another unexpsoed sort Rawdon. Mersbrook has finished mid division in three novice hurdles to date, admittedly not racing with any great zest in these races. He did finish second behind The Tother One in a Chepstow bumper last year, the selection probably flattered to get so close to the winner on that occasion. The time of that bumper was good though and there was a long way back to the third. With many of these appearing to be on their true marks, he could just be one with improvement forthcoming. Truckers Delight was well backed to land a competitive handicap at Sandown last time out. He won his bumper over the course in impressive style, from the front on quick ground but has displayed a tendancy to think about things and connections have applied blinkers today. He could be very well handicapped and support again today must be noted. Rawdon is another who thinks about it but stayed on well at Warwick last time and has to be considered on that basis. Daraybad steps up in trip following a second at Southwell last time but has been edging up the weights despite not getting his head in front and the winner of that Southwell contest was well beaten at Sandown since. Mickmacmagoole was disappointing last time and has a stiff task off top weight here while Great Tsar hails from a yard who have made great strides in recent months and he makes his handicap debut. A case can be made for a number of these but Meersbrook could be well handicapped and is our choice.
