mid-division, hit 6th, headway after 7th, ridden after 3 out, 5th and weakening when mistake and unseated rider 2 out
prominent, led 9th, pushed clear 2 out, eased flat
prominent and keen, led 8th to 9th, weakened 2 out
held up, headway approaching 5th, mistake 6th, weakened after next
led to 6th, weakened 9th
mid-division, headway after 7th, weakened after next
tracked leaders, pecked 1st, lost place approaching 7th, rallied 9th, ridden 3 out, one pace from 2 out
held up, headway after 7th, ridden when hung right and went 2nd approaching 2 out, kept on, no chance with winner
took keen hold in rear, headway 3rd, led 6th to 8th, weakened quickly, tailed off when pulled up before 2 out
Keenan's Future, Kildonnan and Major Catch look the three to concentrate on in this novices' hurdle and the narrow vote is given to Keenan's Future. The selection has progressed with each run over hurdles and won well last time out when beating Rare Gold. That form looks rock solid and despite his penalty he is taken to win again under conditions that suit. Kildonnan rates the main danger as he won well last time when beating Ballyboley but that form has since been let down and for that reason he is opposed. Major Catch was a fair second behind Triple Mint last time and will appreciate this longer trip so he should be noted in the market. Palm Island is game and consistent and is sure to run his race but he has had plenty of chances and again he looks vulnerable to a progressive type and with this in mind for the winner we return to Keenan's Future.
Keenan's Future (IRE) 11-2 (11-11) Held up, headway 3 out, led soon after 2 out, stayed on well from last, won at Exeter 2m 3f nh nov hdl (4) gs in Feb beating Rare Gold (11-4) by 2l, 12 ran.
Kildonnan 5-2 (11-4) In touch, led 2 out, pushed clear flat, eased towards finish, won at Warwick 3m 1f nov hdl (3) hvy in Feb beating Ballyboley (11-4) by 6l, 8 ran.
Major Catch (IRE) 7-4fav (11-3) Held up, headway to go 2nd 4 out, led 3 out, ridden and hit last, headed and not quicken towards finish, 2nd of 7, 1 1/2l behind Triple Mint (11-0) at Uttoxeter 2m 4f nov hdl (3) hvy in Feb.
Arc Of Stone (IRE) (12-0) 2nd of 11, 4l behind Burren Odyssey (12-0) at Sligo Points 3m ire ptp gd in May.
Buz Kiri (USA) 16-1 (10-9) Always towards rear, 9th of 17, 48l behind The Wife's Sister (10-6) at Uttoxeter 2m nov sll hdl (5) hvy in Feb.
My Vic (IRE) 3-1jt-fav (12-0) won at Templemore 3m ire ptp hvy in Oct beating Pacha Noir (12-0) by 1l, 14 ran.
Palm Island (FR) 6-4fav (11-3) Held up, stayed on under pressure after 3 out, no chance with winner, 2nd of 6, 4l behind Bring Me Sunshine (11-3) at Plumpton 2m 5f nov hdl (4) sft in Feb.
Pertemps Timmy 25-1 (10-10) Prominent, weakened 5th, tailed off, blundered last and pulled up in race won by Taking My Cut (11-3) at Chepstow 2m 4f mdn hdl (4) sft in Feb, 14 ran.
Fair View (GER) 40-1 (11-2) Held up, some headway approaching 3 out, never dangerous, 7th of 15, 20l behind Nevsky Bridge (10-0) at Leicester 2m mrs nov hdl (3) hvy in Jan.
Lyster (IRE) 40-1 (10-7) Chased leaders in 4th, driven and weakened soon after 4 out, 8th of 11, well behind Orange Street (10-12) at Newbury 2m 5f nh nov hdl (4) gd.