in touch, headway 5th, ridden approaching 3 out, soon weakened
behind, headway 6th, ridden 2 out, stayed on, not troubled winner
towards rear, effort approaching 6th, soon weakened, behind when pulled up before 2 out
mid-division, headway approaching 6th, ridden 3 out, soon weakened
behind, kept on from 3 out, never dangerous
jumped right, led, ridden, headed approaching 2 out, soon weakened
mistake 2nd, always towards rear, behind when pulled up before 2 out
held up, headway after 4th, ridden 6th, soon weakened, behind when pulled up before 2 out
prominent, ridden to lead briefly approaching 2 out, kept on one pace
mid-division, pecked 3rd, headway approaching 5th, ridden, every chance approaching 2 out, weakened last
prominent to 5th
held up, ridden, headway 3 out, led 2 out, clear last, comfortable
held up, ridden, headway approaching 3 out, weakened before next
mid-division, headway 5th, mistake next, soon weakened
This is not the greatest of races and should provide Paul Cole with a rare winner over hurdles through Strictly Speaking, who has plenty in hand at the weights over his main dangers Royal Prodigy and Berkeley Hall. The last mentioned ran well in similar company over course and distance when last seen over hurdles in May. However, she has disappointed on the flat recently and is probably best watched at present. Royal Prodigy, an 86-rated miler at his best on the flat has not taken to the winter game so far but it would be foolish to disregard Martin Pipe's gelding entirely. Neither Husky nor Salim would want any further rain but would have claims if it stayed dry. Former pointer Running Times is interesting returning to hurdling but it will take a good one to beat Strictly Speaking. Paul Cole's gelding has solid claims at the weights, has been in good form on the flat recently and will not be inconvenienced by any further rainfall.
