led to 8th, weakened after next, tailed off when pulled up before last
held up, ridden and hung left approaching 3 out, headway approaching 2 out, led last, ran on
in touch, ridden after 3 out, every chance approaching last, edged left and no extra flat
behind, headway 9th, hit 3 out, soon weakened
prominent, ridden to lead approaching 3 out, headed approaching 2 out, one pace flat
in touch, led when jumped left and mistake 8th, ridden and headed approaching 3 out, weakened quickly, behind when pulled up before 2 out
chased leaders, mistake 2nd, weakened 8th
A very tricky handicap hurdle and It's My Boy is a tentative choice to beat Stan and McBain. Martin Pipe's gelding was chasing a May hat-trick at Towcester last time, but tried to run out early on and got rid of his rider. If he is on his best behaviour today he could return to winning ways. McBain also came a cropper last time out at Market Rasen, but had previously put in an excellent effort behind Goblet Of Fire in a better race than this. If none the worse for his mishap he should be there or thereabouts. Stan reverts to hurldes following a victory in a novice chase. He doesn't look badly treated and could reward each-way support. Tomenoso is a consistent performer and although possibly in the handicappers grip, he should still make his presence felt. So all in all a wide open affair, and Itsmyboy is just a sporting selection.
Nonantais (FR) 20-1 (10-3) Led, ridden and headed 3 out, rallied gamely flat, stayed on to lead close home, won at Uttoxeter 2m 4f hcp hdl 0-140 (B) sft in Apr beating Turtle Soup (11-2) by 1/2l, 18 ran.
McBain (USA) 7-1 (10-8) Prominent, stumbled and unseated rider 4th unseated rider at the 5th in race won by Rooftop Protest (9-9) at Market Rasen 2m 3f hcp hdl 0-145 (B) gd in Sept, 17 ran.
Stan (NZ) 13-8fav (11-0) Held up towards rear, headway 10th, led after 2 out, pushed out, won at Hexham 2m 4f nov chs (D) gf in May beating Possextown (11-0) by 2 1/2l, 8 ran.
Itsmyboy (IRE) 5-6fav (11-12) Chased leader, not fluent 2nd, tried to run out and unseated rider at the 3rd in race won by Nautic (10-8) at Towcester 2m nh nov hdl (E) gf in May, 6 ran.
Rainbows Aglitter 8-1 (11-5) Held up and keen, steady headway from 8th, not clear run approaching 3 out, rallied 2 out, ridden to lead flat, ran on, won at Uttoxeter 2m 4f hcp hdl 0-125 (D) gf in Sept '04 beating Minivet (11-2) by a nk, 10 ran.
Tomenoso 8-1 (11-2) Led to 3rd, led again 6th, headed 3 out, ridden and every chance 2 out, one pace flat, 3rd of 9, 3l behind Midnight Creek (11-2) at Market Rasen 3m hcp hdl 0-120 (D) gd in Aug.
Navado (USA) 8-1 (11-12) Held up, headway 7th, ridden approaching 3 out, weakened approaching last, 3rd of 10, 13l behind Burundi (11-10) at Uttoxeter 2m 4f hcp hdl 0-115 (D) gf in Sept.
Per Amore (IRE) 11-1 (10-13) Held up and behind, struggling after 4th, tailed off when pulled up 2 out in race won by Black De Bessy (10-13) at Stratford 2m hcp hdl 0-125 (D) gd in Sept, 9 ran.
