keen, mid-division, headway 11th, ridden and not much room 3 out, weakened approaching last
mistakes, chased leader to 9th, tailed off when pulled up before 3 out
held up, headway after 9th, weakened approaching 11th, tailed off when pulled up before 2 out
tracked leaders, ridden and every chance 3 out to 2 out, beaten when hit last
always behind, tailed off when pulled up before 4 out
always behind, tailed off when pulled up after 8th
led to 10th, weakened quickly, tailed off when pulled up before 3 out
in touch, led 10th, ridden and headed after 3 out, weakened next
held up, ridden and headway after 11th, led after 3 out, driven out
in touch, ridden and every chance 3 out, 3rd and beaten when blundered last
mid-division, headway 11th, ridden 3 out, weakened approaching last
Barton Hill won well at Market Rasen on Boxing Day but Tim Easterby's gelding has more to do under a penalty and is passed over in favour of Whitford Don, who gets the verdict over Sherkin Island. The last mentioned represents the stable of Jonjo O'Neill and ran creditably on his debut at Huntingdon last time when fourth behind Bison King. However, the son of Shernazar needs to step up on that effort if he is to trouble the selection. Whitford Don got no further than the second flight on his hurdling debut but showed decent form when chasing home Bohemian Boy at Folkestone last month. The winner there has gone in again since at the same venue and Whitford Don is expected to give the form a further boost. Ayr bumper winner Moonzie Laird has struggled in two starts over hurdles so far and is difficult to recommend, while Rodber looks fully exposed but will at least handle the conditions. Whitford Don has obvious claims though and gets the vote.
