led to approaching 3 out, soon outpaced, stayed on flat
held up, mistake 1st, headway 6th, led approaching 3 out, soon headed, hung left and weakened approaching 2 out
mistakes, mid-division, headway 6th, led 2 out, driven out
in touch, led after 3 out, ridden when headed and mistake 2 out, one pace flat
behind, ridden and headway after 3 out, stayed on same pace from 2 out
mid-division, headway 3rd, went 2nd after 4th to approaching 3 out, soon weakened
chased leader to after 4th, ridden after 3 out, hung left approaching last, kept on flat
always towards rear
chased leaders through 6th, soon behind
Scarlet Mix, Young Dude and Nautic are the three to consider here and Scarlet Mix is selected to follow up a win last time. A bumper winner at Worcester on his debut, Young Dude has been a disappointment since, but showed signs of a return to form when finishing third in a decent handicap hurdle last time at Ascot. He was backed that day and perhaps can improve further although top weight may anchor him. Nautic hasnt been seen since scoring in a Towcester novice hurdle eighteen months ago and his fitness has to be taken on trust. However, Henry Oliver is on board and with his enforced holiday looming, is sure to give his mount every possible assistance here. Scarlet Mix has come to Alison Thorpe from Martin Pipe and landed his first win for his new stable when coming from some way off the pace to get up close home at Warwick last time. He is six pounds higher here but is capable of handling that rise. Scarlet Mix can score again.
Young Dude (IRE) 12-1 (10-1) Led until after 2nd, chased leaders, driven along from 6th, plugged on to go 3rd approaching 2 out, 3rd of 10, 22l behind Armariver (11-3) at Ascot 2m 3f nov hcp hdl 0-120 (3) gf in Oct.
Carmens Boy (IRE) 13-2 (11-3) Led, soon clear, reduced advantage before 3 out, soon headed and weakened, 8th of 16, 36l behind Scalini's (11-5) at Fairyhouse 2m hcp hdl 0-95 sft.
Nautic (FR) 66-1 (10-8) Chased leaders, left 2nd 3rd, led approaching 2 out, ridden out, won at Towcester 2m nh nov hdl (E) gf in May '05 beating Thieves'glen (10-12) by 1 1/2l, 6 ran.
Scarlet Mix (FR) 2-1fav (10-12) In rear, not fluent 4th, pecked 5th, not fluent 3 out, headway 2 out, led soon after last, driven out, won at Warwick 2m hcp hdl 0-110 (4) gd in Oct beating Inn For The Dancer (11-3) by a nk, 16 ran.
Musimaro (FR) 100-1 (11-7) Mid-division, ridden approaching 6th, weakened approaching 2 out, 4th of 14, 13l behind San Antonio (10-11) at Bangor 2m 1f hcp hdl 0-100 (4) gd.
Come What Augustus 10-1 (10-12) Took keen hold early, chased leader until not fluent 5th, ridden 3 out, weakened approaching 2 out, 6th of 11, 46l behind El Corredor (10-2) at Fontwell 2m 6f hcp hdl 0-110 (4) gd in May.
Kimono Royal (FR) 66-1 (10-11) Mid-division, weakened 4 out, 11th of 18, well behind Roll Along (11-2) at Cheltenham 2m mdn hdl (3) gs in Oct.
Dance With Wolves (FR) 7-1 (11-7) Led to 2nd, stayed prominent, ridden approaching 4 out, weakened next, 5th of 12, 24l behind Shaman (10-12) at Plumpton 2m clm hdl (5) gf in May.
