tracked leaders, ridden after 6th, weakened after 3 out
led until after 4th, prominent, led 3 out, still going well when pulled up and dismounted before next
tracked leaders, led after 4th until 3 out, ridden and left in lead approaching 2 out, headed approaching last, no extra
prominent, every chance 3 out, soon ridden, kept on same pace
in touch, ridden after 3 out, kept on same pace
mid-division, ridden after 3 out, one pace after
always behind
held up, headway 3rd, weakened after 5th
in touch, ridden after 3 out, soon weakened, pulled up and dismounted before next
held up, headway after 3 out, stayed on from next, took 3rd close home
held up towards rear, pulled up and dismounted after 2nd
in touch, lost place 3 out, stayed on again from 2 out
held up towards rear, smooth progress from 5th, tracked leaders soon after 3 out, hit 2 out, soon led, quick and clear flat, readily
Nonrunner
This is a competitive novices' handicap hurdle in which Before The Mast, Golden Feather and Silver City are shortlisted and the vote is given to Golden Feather. The selection clearly did not handle the heavy ground at Fontwell last time so that run can be dismissed and he may just be worth another chance today. He has been revitalised since joining Venetia Williams and as long as there is not heavy rain then we will forward him as the one to beat. Before The Mast is an obvious danger as he has been running really well over the bigger obstacles and he would certainly hold a strong chance today on the pick of his hurdles form. Silver City has got some decent form but he needs fast ground to be seen at his best. Manola is better than he has been showing of late and he could go well at an each-way price, but for the winner we will stick with Golden Feather.
Barella (IRE) 13-2 (11-4) Held up, headway 6th, ridden, one pace from 2 out, 4th of 17, 12l behind Ambersong (11-13) at Ludlow 2m sll hdl (5) gf in Feb.
Silver City 20-1 (11-2) Mid-division, ridden and headway after 3 out, one pace from next, 5th of 14, 14l behind Return Home (10-9) at Wincanton 2m nov hcp hdl (4) sft in Jan.
Manolo (FR) 14-1 (10-13) Hampered 1st, chased leaders, ridden and weakened 5th, 12th of 14, well behind Irish Wolf (11-12) at Huntingdon 2m cnd hcp hdl 0-110 (E) gd in Nov.
Laharna 5-2fav (11-10) In touch, took closer order 6th, went 2nd 3 out, kept on same pace, 3rd of 16, 4 1/2l behind Hilarious (11-0) at Fontwell 2m 4f nov hcp hdl 0-95 (F) gd in Dec.
Amnesty 40-1 (10-7) Held up in rear, hard driven before 3 out, never in contention, 7th of 14, 24l behind Wellbeing (11-2) at Newbury 2m nov hcp hdl 0-115 (3) gf.
Golden Feather 11-8fav (11-2) Chased leaders, every chance when jumped slowly 2 out and weakened, 7th of 12, 38l behind Park City (11-3) at Fontwell 2m 2f hcp hdl 0-95 (5) hvy in Feb.
Before The Mast (IRE) 15-8fav (10-0) Held up, hit 7th, headway to chase leaders next, ridden and one pace from 3 out, 3rd of 7, 4l behind Log On Intersky (11-12) at Market Rasen 2m 1f hcp chs 0-110 (4) gs in Feb.
Thenford Star (IRE) 66-1 (10-10) Always towards rear, 6th of 10, well behind Principe Azzurro (11-3) at Warwick 2m 3f nh nov hdl (4) hvy in Feb.
