led until 2nd, chased winner until well before 2 out, weakened and no impression on front pair from 2 out
tracked leader, led 2nd, not fluent 3 out, in command 2 out, soon drew clear, easily
not fluent, tracked leading pair, chased winner well before 2 out, no impression after 2 out, well held when hit last
chased leaders, pushed along before 3 out, weakened soon after
took keen hold, held up in touch, pushed along and struggling after 3 out
took keen hold, held up last, headway on outside 7th, pushed along in 4th after 3 out, no impression when hit 2 out
PISTOLET NOIR is on the up and he can fend off the challenge of Duke Of Lucca in what looks to be a two-horse race. Owned by Paul Roy and Andy Stewart, the selection has made a very bright start to his hurdling career. Although he suffered a defeat to a 100/1 shot at Cheltenham last time, the feeling is that this is an easier assignment (longer trip in his favour) and he is hard to oppose receiving 9lb from main rival Duke Of Lucca. He was brushed aside at Newbury last time out in a decent renewal of the Challow Novices' hurdle but he had previously looked progressive and he too will appreciate this drop in grade. The major problem is the weight he concedes, as that means he is a stone worse off at the weights than if this were a handicap. Dust In Time's bumper runs don't indicate that he can be 'David' today, whilst Jack Rio didn't look devoid of ability at the track last month but similar comments apply. Come Out Firing is more of a danger having shown that he can win races, and Andy Haynes' eight-year-old should be the one finishing in third. Pull The Wool makes her hurdling bow in a tough contest, and it looks wise to revert to Pistolet Noir as the nomination.
Come Out Firing (IRE) 9-1 (11-3) Chased clear leading pair to 3rd, mistake 4th, pecked 6th, not fluent 8th, tailed off 11th, pulled up before 3 out, in a race won by Red Admiral (11-6) at Huntingdon 2m 4f nov chs (4) gf in Aug, 6 ran.
Duke Of Lucca (IRE) 11-1 (11-7) Held up in rear, headway 4 out, weakened and hit next, tailed off, last of 11, well behind Reve De Sivola (11-7) at Newbury 2m 5f Novice Hurdle (Grade 1) (4yo+) (1) hvy in Dec.
Pistolet Noir (FR) 8-15fav (11-7) Led and green in front, wandered badly and ridden before 4th, hit 2 out, pushed along soon after, mistake and headed last, kept on again final 100 yards, 2nd of 7, 2l behind Baccalaureate (11-0) at Cheltenham 2m 1f 4yo nov hdl G2 (1) sft in Jan.
Dust In Time 50-1 (10-11) Prominent, kicked rival after 2f, stayed prominent until weakened 4f out, 8th of 11, 44l behind Johnny Mullen (10-9) at Wincanton 2m NH flat (6) sft in Dec.
Jack Rio (IRE) 100-1 (10-10) Held up in rear, headway 3 out,weakened approaching 2 out, 8th of 12, 39l behind Hucking Hero (11-3) at Taunton 2m 1f nh nov hdl (4) gs in Feb.
Pull The Wool (IRE) 10-1 (10-12) Led, headed over 2f out, one pace, 4th of 14, 10l behind Anis Etoile (10-8) at Uttoxeter 2m N H flat (6) gd in May.
