in touch, ridden 6th, soon weakened
held up, headway 5th, chased winner approchaing 3 out, soon ridden, weakened 2 out
mid-division, headway approaching 6th, weakened before next
chased leaders, blundered badly and unseated rider 3rd
took keen hold in rear, headway approaching 3 out, ridden to go 2nd 2 out, stayed on, not reach winner
in touch, led approaching 3 out, soon clear, ridden out
chased leader, hit 6th, soon weakened
led, ridden and headed approaching 3 out, soon weakened
held up, mistake and unseated rider 1st
blundered 1st, always behind
Artane Boys,Trickstep and Kingscourt Lad are three against the field in this poor seller and the vote is given to Artane Boys. The selection would win this on his best hurdles form and although he has since been very disappointing over fences of late he will appreciate the return to the smaller obstacles and under conditions that suit she will be hard to beat. Trickstep rates the main danger on his best form as he is another that is taking a big drop in class but the suspicion is he may just need the run after a 306 day absence and for that reason is passed over on this occasion. Kingscourt Lad is another that could go well on his latest sixth behind Nuzzle especially as that form has since been franked and he should be noted in the market. The Sneakster is another with place claims on his best form but he rarely completes the course so can not be backed with any confidence. Of the remainder Don't Sioux Me is from a shrewd yard and is another to note in the market but for the winner we are happy to return to Artane Boys who looks to have everything in his favour.
Trickstep 11-2 (11-4) Led until after 2nd, chased leader until 4th, weakened 3 out, behind when pulled up 2 out in race won by Wardash (11-0) at Stratford 2m nov sll hdl (G) gf in Jul '05, 16 ran.
Artane Boys 15-2 (11-11) Tracked leaders and keen, weakened 11th, tailed off when pulled up 2 out in race won by Borehill Joker (11-5) at Southwell 2m 4f hcp chs 0-100 (4) gf, 10 ran.
Don't Sioux Me (IRE) 5-1 (11-11) Mid-division, ridden and weakened from 6th, 7th of 13, 17l behind Red Nose Lady (10-6) at Haydock 2m 4f hcp hdl 0-110 (E) gs in Nov '04.
Kingscourt Lad (IRE) 9-1 (10-11) Led to 2nd, led again after 6th, ridden and headed after 3 out, hung left approaching 2 out, soon beaten, 6th of 16, 18l behind Nuzzle (10-12) at Uttoxeter 2m cnd sll hcp hdl (5) gf.
Moorlaw (IRE) 13-2 (10-13) In touch, reminders 3rd, ridden 3 out, weakened 2 out, 8th of 14, 17l behind Classic Croco (11-1) at Worcester 2m nov clm hdl (5) gf in Jun.
Paradise Garden (USA) 20-1 (10-2) Led to 6th, tailed off when pulled up 4 out in race won by Barton Gate (10-5) at Uttoxeter 2m sll hdl (G) hvy in Dec, 12 ran.
Carpet Ride 10-1 (9-9) Always towards rear, ridden after 3 out, weakening when fell 2 out in race won by Avesomeofthat (11-0) at Wincanton 2m cnd hcp hdl 0-105 (4) gd in Apr, 9 ran.
The Sneakster (IRE) 100-1 (10-9) Prominent until weakened after 6th, 4th of 12, well behind Don And Gerry (10-12) at Hereford 2m 3f mrs nov hdl (4) gf in May.
