led to after 7th, soon ridden, stayed on same pace
mid-division, headway 6th, lost touch 7th, one pace
prominent, chased leader 7th, ridden 3 out and every chance 2 lengths down and weakening when fell last
held up in mid-division, ridden after 5th, weakened after 6th, soon weakened (no official distance)
held up towards rear, ridden 7th, soon weakened
mid-division, behind 6th, soon tailed off (no official distance)
held up toward rear, ridden 7th, weakened 3 out
prominent, lost touch 7th, tailed off and pulled up before last
always behind and not jump well, reminder 2nd, ridden 5th, soon weakened
held up in touch, headway and chased winner 6th, ridden and challenged 2 out, led last, hard ridden and headed close home
chased leader, ridden and weakened 6th, no impression
Graphic Approach, Accipiter and Ashley Brook are all on the shortlist for this novices hurdle, and we will side with the 5-year-old gelding Accipiter. The selection was a good winner when beating Onwardsandupwards last time at Uttoxeter, and although he has a penalty for that win, he may still be a step ahead of the handicapper as he looked to win with a shade in hand on that occasion. Graphic Approach is the main danger and this gelding from the Charlie Egerton yard is in great heart at present, and with AP McCoy in the plate he looks to have solid claims of completing a hat-trick of successes. He won well at Wetherby last time, despite hitting a couple of hurdles, and he should be capable of making the frame despite a penalty. Ashley Muck won well on this track last time but is steadily rising in the weights and he is now beginning to look opposable. Of the remainder, Sweet Diversion is from a leading yard and could be interesting if he is supported in the market, but in a competitive race, Accipiter gets the vote.
