tracked leaders, not fluent 4th, went 2nd next, led 7th, clear approaching 2 out, stayed on well
prominent, not fluent, jumped very slowly 5th, reluctant and soon behind, pulled up before 6th
led until jumped right 7th, every chance 4 out, ridden and beaten after 3 out
held up in 4th, left 3rd 5th, shaken up 4 out, soon weakened
The last time we saw Border Castle winning was the 2008 Scottish Champion Hurdle and based upon his finest efforts over jumps there is no reason he shouldn't take to chasing. The trip and ground are suitable as well and he should be a real danger to the Jonjo O'Neill trained SWAY, who gets the marginal vote. She has won plenty of decent Listed hurdles events in France and although a long way behind Quevega at Cheltenham on her last appearance, the ground wasn't entirely to suit and the drop to two miles here should help. Panama Canal has a lot to find on the selection based upon apperances in points and under rules to date, whilst Abey M'Boy hasn't won over the hurdles and until proven otherwise he is best watched on his first start over the bigger obstacles.
Abey M'Boy 5-1 (11-1) Held up in rear, headway approaching 7th, chased winner after 3 out, challenged next, soon ridden, no impression when lost 2nd last, 3rd of 10, 9l behind Flanagan (11-1) at Hereford 2m 4f mdn hdl (4) sft in Mar.
Border Castle 20-1 (11-12) Tracked leaders, lost place after 5th, 8th of 9, 30l behind Tiger O'toole (10-13) at Stratford 2m hcp hdl 0-135 (3) gf in May.
Panama Canal (IRE) 66-1 (10-9) In rear, ridden 4 out, soon beaten, 7th of 8, 40l behind Carribs Leap (10-12) at Fakenham 2m 4f nh nov hdl (3) gd.
Sway (FR) 9-1 (10-11) Held up in rear, blundered 1st, headway approaching 3 out, pushed along and weakened before next, 11th of 17, 30l behind Quevega (11-5) at Cheltenham 2m 4f hdl G2 (1) gs in Mar.
