in touch, ridden to lead approaching 2 out, headed approaching last, one pace flat
held up, headway approaching 9th, every chance approaching last, soon ridden, one paced flat
mistake 1st, always behind, tailed off when pulled up before 2 out
led to 4th, mistake 5th, weakened 6th
behind, not fluent 6th, headway approaching 7th, ridden approaching 3 out, soon weakened
in touch, ridden approaching 2 out, led approaching last, ran on
held up, headway approaching 8th, ridden after nexr, kept on flat
prominent, led 8th, not fluent 9th, ridden and headed approaching 2 out, weakened approaching last
prominent, led 4th to 8th, weakened 9th, tailed off when mistake last, virtually pulled up flat
mid-division until hit 8th, soon behind
The short list for this novices' hurdle contains Captain Jack, Smart Mover and Beijing Breeze, with the vote going to Smart Mover. No less a horse than Black Jack Ketchum won this race last year but we will be fortunate if there is a hurdler as good as him in the race today. That said, Captain Jack has looked pretty good in winning his last two races and is entitled to respect today. Smart Mover progressed nicely in the spring of this year, winning twice, and he looks set to go well here if fully tuned up after a break, trainer Henrietta Knight also running the winning chaser Cruising River. Philip Hobbs has to be respected in these events so Beijing Breeze gets a mention. These look to be the leading players, with Smart Mover getting the vote.
