chased leader, not fluent 2nd, tried to run out, unseated rider 3
always behind, tailed off when not fluent 4th
led, hit 5th, ridden and headed approaching 2 out, stayed on same pace
chased leaders, left 2nd 3rd, led approaching 2 out, ridden out
This looks a match between Itsmyboy and Thieves'glen and the confident vote is given to Itsmyboy. The selection was a fair performer in bumpers and looks to have improved again for the switch to hurdles. He won well last time out when beating Fourthright and although he has a penalty for that win he won with plenty in hand and under conditions that suit he is impossible to oppose. Thieves'glen rates the main danger on his latest third behind Fandani but he has had plenty of chances without winning and for that reason he is opposed. Star Fever is another worthy of respect as he hails from a top yard but he has shown very little of late so can not be put forward with any confidence. The remainder look very moderate and for the winner we return to Itsmyboy.
Itsmyboy (IRE) 8-11fav (11-6) Led, headed after 4 out, left in lead 3 out, ridden approaching 2 out, headed last, rallied lead again towards finish, won at Aintree 2m nov hdl (D) gd beating Forthright (10-10) by 1l, 8 ran.
Saxon Kingdom 100-1 (11-4) Tracked leaders until lost place halfway, last of 17, well behind Wicked Weasel (11-4) at Bangor 2m 1f nhf (H) gs in Dec '03.
Thieves'glen 5-1 (10-12) Led and clear, hit 2nd, ridden 2 out, weakening when headed approaching last, 3rd of 11, 13l behind Fandani (10-12) at Wincanton 2m nov hdl (E) gd.
Nautic (FR) 66-1 (10-12) Mistake 3rd, always behind, tailed off 5th, 8th of 9, well behind Openide (10-12) at Cheltenham 2m 1f 4yo nov hdl (B) gd in Apr.
Star Fever (IRE) 14-1 (10-13) In touch, ridden over 5f out, weakened 4f out, 9th of 17, 19l behind Kate's Gift (10-13) at Ludlow 2m nhf (H) gd in Apr.
Roseville (IRE) 100-1 (10-7) Prominent until after 4th, tailed off when pulled up 4 out in race won by Blueberry Ice (10-5) at Hereford 2m 3f mrs nov hdl (E) gf in Apr, 13 ran.
