tracked leader, not fluent 5th, led after 3 out, ridden and hard pressed approaching last, in command towards finish
tracked leaders, went 2nd approaching 2 out, strong challenge before last, ridden flat, unable to quicken
led, headed after 3 out, soon beaten, weakened last
held up in rear, not fluent, in touch 3 out, weakening when mistake 2 out
mid-division, closed after 5th, weakened quickly after 3 out
mid-division, headway 3 out, went 3rd when mistake 2 out, no chance with leaders
tracked leaders, took keen hold, weakened approaching 2 out
This is all about KINGS DESTINY who was last seen scoring at Ascot in October 2009 as a useful handicapper for the late Michael Jarvis. He now has his first experience of hurdles after an absence of over 600 days. Now with Nicky Henderson, he's a fascinating contender and can hopefully reward his owner's laudable patience. Art History is not proving easy to win with and John Ferguson now tries him at this testing venue after a recent runner-up performance at the sharp Fakenham track. However, Clowance House could prove a stronger foe for the selection as he does have some useful hurdling from in the book. He now has his first run for Barry Brennan and the son of Galileo should play a prominent role. Flat winner Whodathought is an interesting hurdling recruit for the Rich team.
Clowance House 11-1 (10-7) Tracked leaders, jumped slowly 2nd, soon lost place, hit 4th, behind when mistake 7th, went remote 4th last, 4th of 7, 32l behind Unforgettable (10-12) at Huntingdon 2m nov chs 0-115 (4) gs in Apr.
Kings Destiny 5-1 (9-8) Tracked leader, led over 2f out, ridden out, won at Ascot 1m 2f hcp 105 (2) gs in Oct '10 beating Rock N Roll Ransom (8-13) by 1/2l, 7 ran (flat).
Kitegen (IRE) 15-2 (11-0) Led from 2nd, ridden and headed 2 out, weakened before last, 4th of 13, 11l behind Barton Stacey (11-0) at Towcester 2m 3f mdn hdl (4) gf in May.
Kristiano (IRE) 5-2fav (11-3) Prominent, led after 1f, ridden and headed over 3f out, weakened over 1f out, 6th of 10, 22l behind Social Overdrive (11-3) at Hereford 2m 1f NH flat (6) gd in Mar.
West Bay Hoolie 200-1 (10-0) Held up towards rear on outside, headway approaching 4th, ridden and weakened after 3 out, tailed off, last of 10, well behind Lieutenant Miller (11-1) at Fontwell 2m 4f hcp hdl 0-115 (4) gs in May.
Whodathought (IRE) 8-1 (9-6) Mid-division, headway over 3f out, soon under pressure, chased leaders over 1f out, stayed on to lead inside final furlong, all out, won at Kempton 1m 4f hcp 0-65 (6) pol in May beating Bennelong (9-7) by 1 3/4l, 13 ran (flat).
Mckyla (IRE) 22-1 (10-11) Took keen hold, held up towards rear, struggling before 3 out, last of 8, 20l behind Glen Countess (11-0) at Warwick 2m 3f mdn hdl (5) gs in May.
Tiger Who 100-1 (8-2) In touch, lost touch over 3f out, last of 9, 17l behind Daniel Thomas (9-6) at Lingfield 1m 2f sell stks (6) pol in Feb (flat).
Iron Cross (IRE) 66-1 (11-0) Led, not fluent 6th, headed 3 out, weakened approaching last, 4th of 13, 18l behind Cape Express (11-0) at Southwell 2m mdn hdl (5) gd in May.
Art History (IRE) 10-11fav (10-7) Tracked leaders, pressed leader 6th, ridden 2 out, kept on one pace, 2nd of 7, 4l behind Kian's Delight (10-10) at Fakenham 2m mdn hdl (4) gf in May.