mid-division, ridden 9th, weakened 11th
tracked leaders, lost place 5th, behind from 7th, tailed off when pulled up before 2 out
in touch, headway 9th, ridden after 11th, soon weakened
in touch, headway 8th, led 3 out, soon ridden and headed, weakened quickly
pulled hard, always towards rear, tailed off when pulled up before 2 out
tracked leaders, ridden and lost place after 8th, tailed off when pulled up before 3 out
always behind, tailed off when pulled up before 2 out
held up, headway 10th, led after 3 out, ridden out
led 2nd, hit next, ridden and headed after 10th, weakened next
led to 2nd, stayed prominent, led again after 10th, ridden and headed 3 out, stayed on same pace
A very competitive maiden hurdle for this time of year, with preference going to the Martin Pipe hurdle debutant Piccini with Hope Sound, Minted, It's Definate and Montys Island posing as the most likely dangers. Piccini even though sent off favourite for his racecourse debut in a bumper at Newton Abbot ran with great credit and although finishing fourth was beaten under two lengths. He battled all the way to the line and it's interesting that he has his first run over hurdles over this three-mile trip. One thing is for certain jumping ought not to be a problem as the stable are famous for their extensive schooling sessions. Hope Sound ran well in behind hot pot You're a Gassman at Perth the other day and steps up in trip. The only concern being that he looked to give in a little on the run in and has had two pretty hard races of late and they will take their toll eventually. It's Definate hails from the in-form yard of Peter Bowen and has the services of the champ. He managed to win three times on the flat and has improved with each run over hurdles, but needs to improve further on the evidence of being beaten over 20 lengths at Worcester last time out. Minted is another improver who finished third over a stiff two miles at Towcester on his latest outing and should improve with time. To conclude then Piccini is taken to win on her hurdles debut getting the better of Hope Sound.
