in rear, stayed on from 3 out, not reach leaders
in rear, ridden from 3 out, no impression
raced keen, led 2nd, headed 3rd, led again 4th, weakened quickly approaching 5th, soon tailed off
raced keen tracking leaders, went 2nd 4 out, ridden and every chance 2 out, no extra after last
mid-division to rear, weakening when fell 3 out
mid-division, ridden and weakened 3 out
in touch until ridden and weakened from 3 out
tracked leaders, quickened lead 5th, mistake next, ridden after 3 out, joined approaching last, headed and no extra flat
led, headed 2nd, led again 3rd, headed next, weakened 4 out,
prominent, ridden 3 out, soon weakened
held up mid-division, headway 5th, ridden approaching 2 out, no impression
held up towards rear, steady headway 5th, challenged last, soon led, ridden clear
Division two of the maiden hurdle sees Martin Pipe unleash an interesting newcomer in the shape of Well Chief, who showed nothing in three starts on the level in Germany. Running in the colours of David Johnson, he could easily leave that form well behind on his timber bow. Pipe also turns out Ishandraz, a winner in the French Provinces who failed to set the world alight on his debut here a month ago. Philip Hobbs has taken charge of the ex-Barry Hills inmate Night Driver who has shown little since winning at Lingfield in May. With Richard Johnson booked to ride, he makes more appeal than the stable's other runner Code Sign. Thesis was second to Desert Air here recently on only his second outing for Venetia Williams, and as he was capable of scoring at Sandown on the Flat, is one for the short-list along with Lucy Wadham's Distingo, an equally promising second at Huntingdon in November. There should not be too much in it but preference is for the former, with Tony McCoy booked to ride despite Pipe having two runners in the contest.
