chased clear leader until after 2nd, weakened approaching 5th, tailed off when pulled up before 3 out
mid-division, headway approaching 5th, hit 3 out, led before 2 out, headed flat, not quicken
led and clear until 4th, headed 6th, soon weakened, tailed off when pulled up before 2 out
held up, weakened after 3 out, tailed off
chased clear leader after 2nd until 6th, weakened after 3 out, tailed off when pulled up before 2 out
chased leaders, led 6th until approaching 2 out, soon weakened
swerved right 1st, held up towards rear, headway approaching 6th, disputing 2nd 2 out, weakened flat
held up in rear, modest 7th approaching 2 out, ran on well flat to snatch 3rd near finish
held up in mid-division, headway approaching 6th, ridden after 3 out, disputing 2nd from 2 out, led flat, stayed on well
held up in rear, took keen hold, headway after 3 out, hung right after 2 out, went modest 3rd flat until near finish
mid-division, took keen hold, headway approaching 6th,r idden after 3 out, weakened approaching last
Division Two of the novices' hurdle is arguably a little more interesting than the first and our vote is with WHISTLEJACQUET to get the better of Watergate and Haarth Sovereign. Alan King's runners are emerging from a lengthy indifferent spell and a good spring may await the Barbury Castle-based trainer, who prepares the selection for his hurdling introduction today. Previously a winner of a bumper, who made the frame twice under penalties, he was found wanting at Grade 2 level at Aintree last spring. Today's going looks ideal for him and he will be well schooled, so we will give him the nod to get it right first time. Watergate has the benefit of a run over timber, finishing a respectable fourth of nine when favourite at Kempton last month. Soft ground suits and this 80-rated flat performer is much respected given connections and his flat speed. Another decent performer on the level was Haarth Sovereign. Lawney Hill's gelding was rated 78 when last seen on the level, where he handled juice in the ground, and although the trainer has hardly had a runner since the freeze, she was going well prior to Christmas and should have him straight enough. Via Galilei was contesting Group 2 races on the Flat in Ireland last summer, albeit finishing last, and he was good enough to win a 1m 4f handicap from a mark of 98 in June when with Jim Bolger. That is also very smart form, and even taking into account the discrepancy in ratings between the Emerald Isle and here, he would have to be hugely respected if he jumps well enough and acts on the ground. Serious Choice might not quite have that much class and also has to prove himself in these conditions and Whistlejacquet can call the tune.
Born To Be Wilde (IRE) Oscar gelding out of Let The River Run.
Gross Prophet 80-1 (11-0) Chased leaders, went 2nd from 3rd, went right next, led after 4 out, came to outside and hit 3 out, headed and weakened approaching 2 out, tailed off, 5th of 10, 31l behind Quantitativeeasing (11-5) at Newbury 2m hdl (3) hvy in Dec.
Haarth Sovereign (IRE) 16-1 (9-12) Tracked leader, ridden 4f out, weakened over 1f out, 9th of 10, 26l behind Dayia (9-12) at Wolverhampton 1m 6f hcp 0-80 (4) pol in Oct (flat).
Pont Wood 200-1 (10-12) In touch when fell 2nd, in a race won by Chain Of Command (10-12) at Hereford 2m 1f nh nov hdl (4) sft in Dec, 15 ran.
Serious Choice (IRE) 4-1 (11-0) Held up, ridden approaching 2 out, one pace, 4th of 12, 20l behind Ocean Transit (10-7) at Taunton 2m 1f mdn hdl (4) gs in Nov.
Sheer Magnetism (IRE) 66-1 (10-9) Mid-division, headway 5th, weakened 3 out, soon tailed off, 16th of 18, well behind Show Winner (10-7) at Kempton 2m nh nov hdl (4) gs in Nov '08.
Sir Liam (USA) 8-1 (10-12) Held up well in rear, slipped and fell on flat after 4th, in a race won by Moment Present (11-1) at Huntingdon 2m nh nov hdl (4) gd in May, 11 ran.
Via Galilei (IRE) 14-1 (9-4) Prominent, soon 2nd, lost place and weakened from over 1f out, 9th of 15, 4 1/2l behind Alaiyma (8-12) at Cork 1m Listed stks gd in Oct (flat).
Victors Serenade (IRE) 80-1 (11-4) Held up in rear, well behind and struggling after 3 out, tailed off, 7th of 14, 38l behind Vino Griego (11-1) at Wincanton 2m nov hdl (4) hvy in Jan.
Whistlejacquet 33-1 (10-12) Held up towards rear, headway well over 2f out, kept on same pace, 6th of 19, 13l behind Sitting Tennant (11-4) at Aintree 2m 1f nat hunt flat Grade 2 (1) gs in Apr.
Watergate (IRE) 13-8fav (10-12) Took keen hold, held up towards rear, headway to 4th, before 2 out, soon ridden, 3rd and no impression when mistake 2 out, mistake and lost 3rd after last, 4th of 9, 16l behind Anak (11-5) at Kempton 2m 4yo nov hdl (4) sft in Jan.
Casual Style 14-1 (10-5) Mid-division, took good hold, not fluent 1st, no chance 6th, tailed off when pulled up before 2 out, in a race won by Dark Oasis (10-12) at Ludlow 2m 3yo nov hdl (4) gd in Oct, 13 ran.
