held up in touch, hit 5th, head way in every chance after 3 out, ridden and blundered 2 out, weakened flat
led first, 2 appraoching next, track leader, hit 6, led again 9th, ridden and headed after 3 out, weakening when blundered last
led to first, led again approaching next, reminders after 6, headed 9, weakened quickly, tailed off when blundered last, pulled up flat
track leaders, lost place after 6th, tailed off and pulled up before 2 out
held up, headway approaching 7, led after 3 out, soon clear, comfortably
There is very little strength in depth here and this looks to be a virtual match between Exodous and Petite Margot with preference for the former. The selection, a Listed Race winner on the flat in Argentina, has had his problems since coming to this country but showed he still retains ability when breaking his duck over hurdles by winning a novices' event at Uttoxeter in August. A two-month break since then is not a worry for Jim Old's gelding who should be too good for Ludlow bumper winner Petite Margot. The Nigel Twiston-Davies-trained filly could not have won more easily at Ludlow but she faces a stiff task against the selection on her hurdling debut today. Of the remainder, there is probably little to chose between John Upson's pair Backscratcher and Beechbrook Gale, while Sharp Spice is coming to the winter game rather late in life at the age of seven. All in all, this is a poor event that should go to Exodous.
