always behind
mid-division, ridden 10th, weakened next
in touch, ridden to lead approaching 3 out, headed 2 out, soon beaten
held up and keen, saddle slipped after 2nd, pulled up before next
mid-division, ridden and headway 3 out, edged left and weakened approaching last
mid-division, pulled up after 2nd
chased leaders, reminders 8th, weakened 10th
chased leader, mistake 5th, ridden 3 out, led 2 out, clear last, ran on
behind, headway after 8th, mistake 3 out, weakened approaching last
led, ridden and headed approaching 3 out, weakened quickly
took keen hold in rear, switched right 3 out, ridden and headway 2 out, soon hung left, kept on, never troubled leaders
Cristophe, Hi Laurie and Oscar The Boxer are three against the field in this competitive handicap hurdle and the vote is given to Hi Laurie. There selection was a good second when last seen behind Sunley Shines, goes well fresh and under conditions that suit she looks the value bet in an open affair. Cristophe rates the main danger as he hails from a yard in top form and he was a fair second behind Megaton last time out, however that was over a shorter trip and as he is far from certain to stay at likely odds he looks worth taking on. Oscar The Boxer is another that could go well on his best form but all his best efforts have come with much more cut in the ground and he looks opposable on that basis. Terramarique was third behind Silver Dagger last time and could improve for the fitting of as first time visor so should be noted in the market. Of the remainder Maharaat is from a yard in form but may just need the run after a 379 day absence and with this in mind for the winner we return to Hi Laurie.
Maharaat (USA) 4-1 (10-8) Prominent, chased leader 7th, ridden 3 out, headway to challenge 2 out, led last, pushed out, won at N Abbot 2m 6f mdn hdl (D) gf in Jul '05 beating Kentucky King (11-2) by 1l, 14 ran.
Cristophe 8-1 (10-13) Led, headed after 9th, soon ridden, no impression on winner approaching 2 out, 2nd of 7, 6l behind Megaton (11-12) at Stratford 2m 6f hcp hdl 0-115 (4) gd.
Hi Laurie (IRE) 11-4fav (10-7) In touch, effort 2 out, kept on to go 2nd at the last, no impression, 2nd of 9, 8l behind Sunley Shines (10-10) at Fontwell 2m 2f mrs hcp hdl (4) sft in Jan.
Oscar The Boxer (IRE) 8-1 (10-9) Mid-division, lost place 6th, no danger after, 6th of 16, 24l behind Salt Cellar (10-12) at Stratford 2m 6f hcp hdl 0-105 (4) gf.
Derreen Boy (IRE) 16-1 (10-2) Held up, outpaced from 3 out, stayed on flat, never near leaders, 5th of 7, 6l behind Lucky Do (11-5) at Worcester 2m 4f hcp hdl 0-110 (4) gf.
Terramarique (IRE) Evensfav (10-4) Prominent, lost place 5th, reminders after 10th, effort approaching 14th, soon no impression, 3rd of 13, 22l behind Silver Dagger (10-2) at Uttoxeter 3m nov hcp chs 0-105 (4) gd in Jun.
Black Rainbow (IRE) 5-1 (11-12) Bhnd til hdwy 14; lft 2nd last, 2nd of 16, 8l behind Alfie Twofourtwo (12-5) at Mordon 3m ptp hvy in Mar.
Tinvane Rose (IRE) 8-1 (10-10) In touch, went 2nd at 9th until ridden after 3 out, soon weakened, 3rd of 13, 32l behind Tsar's Twist (10-0) at Southwell 3m nov hcp hdl 0-90 (5) gf.
