held up mid division, headway approaching 5th, led on bit approaching 2 out, easily
keen hold, rapid headway 4th to track leaders, ridden and weakened 7th
tracked leaders until ridden and weakened 7th
held up in touch, ridden and weakened 4 out
held up in touch, outpaced 6th, ridden and stayed on from 2 out
led, ridden after 3 out, soon hampered on bend, not recover
held up in rear, mistake 5th, hard ridden approaching 3 out, stayed on approaching last, no chance winner
prominent, slow jump first, ridden to lead 3 out, edged right bend soon after, weakened after 2 out
This looks an average novices' hurdle by the track¿s standards with only a couple of interesting participants in the nine-strong field over the extended 2m3f trip. Martin Pipe's runners at Taunton always warrant plenty of respect so it would come as no surprise to see the Nicholashayne-based trainer take this. Nautical, who was a multiple winner on the level in Dubai, showed very little on his hurdles debut but is probably better than that. However, he is difficult to recommend with any confidence on that evidence. The four-year-old Fly Dubai Fly was no better than moderate on the flat but gets all the allowances going and has to be respected. Bill Turner's Just Limbo ran better here last time but more is needed today so the vote goes to another improved performer, namely Stars Delight. Gary Moore's gelding showed his best form to date when winning at Fontwell earlier this month and, although having a penalty to carry, should be good enough to give weight away all round in this company.
