held up last, past weakening horses from 6th, hit 7th, ridden after 3 out, went 2nd approaching 2 out, never any chance with winner
behind from 5th, soon tailed off, pulled up before 3 out
tracked leading pair, ridden after 3 out, soon weakened
made all, soon clear, unchallenged
held up in last pair, losing touch when fell 6th
in touch until after 6th, soon tailed off
chased winner until approaching 2 out, soon weakened
THE NIGHTINGALE should have this race at his mercy after literally slipping up last time with Calusa Crystal and Sassanias looking to pick up the pieces should things go amiss again. After showing a lot of promise in bumpers, including a decent looking second behind Mad Max at Newbury, the selection was well fancied to land his hurdles debut but it all went wrong when he failed to finish. That race was one by the smart looking Shalone, which should show that contest's quality and with no mishaps this time it looks good for The Nightingale. Calusa Crystal looked to be lacking a little fitness when running a solid race at Towcester last time, which came after a few months off. Likely to be sharper this time she should be closer to the leaders and will have learnt much from her first sighting of obstacles. Sassanias for Alan King looks every bit the chaser and his form is bitty at best. Was well beaten off last time in hurdles debut but that race would have done him good but eventually will probably like a further trip.
Patsy Finnegan 66-1 (11-1) Led, ridden and headed approaching 3 out, weakening when hit 2 out, 7th of 14, 32l behind Georgian King (11-1) at Exeter 2m 6f nh nov hdl (4) gd in Apr.
Puccini (IRE) 14-1 (10-9) Always towards rear, tailed off, 11th of 13, well behind Mont Present (10-6) at Fontwell 2m 4f cnd nov hdl (4) gd.
Sassanias (FR) 40-1 (10-12) Held up, mistake 5th, chased leaders 4 out, weakened approaching 3 out, 5th of 16, well behind Massasoit (10-12) at Aintree 2m 4f nh nov hdl (3) sft in Oct.
The Nightingale (FR) 2-1 (10-12) Tracked leaders, led approaching 3 out, 2 lengths ahead and likely winner when stumbled soon after last and fell at the last in race won by Shalone (10-12) at Exeter 2m 1f nov hdl (4) gs in Oct, 13 ran.
Thomondgate (IRE) 16-1 (11-0) Mid-division until weakened 3f out, 10th of 15, 44l behind Riverside Theatre (11-4) at Ascot 2m nhf (4) gd.
Alfie Rose 100-1 (10-5) Jumped right and unseated rider in race won by Darstardly Dick (10-9) at Wincanton 2m nh nov hdl (4) gs in Oct, 10 ran.
Calusa Crystal (FR) 5-2fav (10-3) In touch, hampered 2nd, jumped left next, ridden approaching 2 out, 4th and no extra when mistake last, 6th of 15, 12l behind Charmaine Wood (10-10) at Towcester 2m mrs nov hdl (4) gd in Oct.
