mid-division, headway approaching 6th, ridden after 3 out, kept on to go 2nd approaching last, no chance with winner
behind, headway 6th, ridden approaching 3 out, soon weakened
chased leaders to 3rd, weakened after next, tailed off when pulled up before 7th
prominent, ridden after 7th, weakened 3 out
always behind, tailed off when pulled up before 7th
in touch, ridden 3 out, weakened before next
led to 3rd, weakened 5th, tailed off when pulled up before 2 out
mid-division, headway when tried to run out 6th, soon weakened, behind when mistake 3 out, tailed off when pulled up before 2 out
mid-division, effort 6th, weakened after next
prominent, led 3rd, ridden and headed after 3 out, jumped left and weakened 2 out
prominent, jumped slowly and weakened 6th, tailed off when pulled up before last
keen, mid-division, headway 5th, led after 3 out, ridden out
prominent to 7th, tailed off when pulled up before last
held up, headway approaching 7th, ridden after 3 out, stayed on same pace
This is a very modest maiden hurdle and so the newcomers have to be given every consideration especially, Brave Benefactor and Never So Blue, however we will take a chance with Giovanna. The Richard Phillips trained five-year-old landed a couple of bumpers last season and should be spot on for this following two promising efforts behind some decent types. The stable is going well at present and it is a soft looking race. The Venetia Williams trained Never So Blue is an April Night gelding and is a full brother to winning jumper Mac Blue. He will no doubt be well prepared and should be monitored closely in the betting. The same applies to Brave Benefactor who is related to numerous winners over hurdles and fences. A Few Kind Words is pretty moderate but does look the best of the remainder, however Giovanna will not have to improve much to win this and he gets our vote.
A Few Kind Words (IRE) 100-1 (10-12) Mid-division, stayed on from 4 out, chased winner from 2 out, no impression, 2nd of 12, 19l behind Kingham (11-5) at Taunton 2m 1f mdn hdl (5) gs in Mar.
Airgusta (IRE) 100-1 (11-2) Held up towards rear, headway 3 out, one pace after 2 out, 5th of 14, 23l behind Oscatello (11-9) at Hereford 2m 3f nov hdl (4) gd in Mar.
Brave Benefactor (IRE) Beneficial gelding, half-brother to winners over hurdles and fences.
Dinnie Flanagan (IRE) 33-1 (11-2) Tracked leaders, ridden and weakened approaching 3 out, 8th of 15, 48l behind One Sniff (11-2) at Kelso 2m 6f nh nov hdl (4) gs.
Lookafterme (IRE) 16-1 (11-2) Tracked leaders, went 2nd 4 out, ridden after next, one pace, 2nd of 6, 7l behind Rare Gold (11-2) at Warwick 2m 5f mdn hdl (4) gf in Mar.
Never So Blue (FR) April Night gelding, brother to winning jumper Mac Blue.
Top Ram (IRE) 5-2fav (11-11) Led after 2f, headed over 2f out, soon ridden, weakened over 1f out, 4th of 11, 39l behind Solid As A Rock (10-11) at Towcester 2m nhf (5) hvy in Mar.
Giovanna 10-1 (10-9) Held up mid-division, headway 3 out, weakened after 2 out, 3rd of 14, 18l behind Oscatello (11-9) at Hereford 2m 3f nov hdl (4) gd in Mar.
