took keen hold, tracked winner from 1st, challenged brielfy after 3 out, ridden when not fluent 2 out, beaten when not fluent last
took keen hold, made all, in command last, ran on well
mistake 1st, held up in close 3rd, mistake 5th, ridden 3 out, beaten when not fluent 2 out, weakened approaching last
This looks a competitive handicap, despite only attracting four runners. Pantxoa and Pullyourfingerout have been taking on better opposition and the latter is fancied to confirm Cheltenham running in December with Alan King's top weight, despite having finished well beaten in a couple of subsequent starts. Head Hunted ran well over C&D on his hurdling debut but disappointed when favourite at Sandown last month so the vote goes to KING'S REALM. Alison Thorpe's son of King's Best has improved with experience over hurdles and a reproduction of his fourth to Via Galilei at Newbury earlier this month would probably suffice here.
Pantxoa (FR) 9-2 (11-6) Held up, not fluent 1st, tracked leading pair from 2nd, ridden to chase winner approaching 2 out, no chance, one pace, 2nd of 5, 18l behind A Media Luz (10-5) at Huntingdon 2m 4yo hdl (2) gs in Feb.
Pullyourfingerout (IRE) 14-1 (10-11) Soon led, headed 3rd, remained prominent, driven to challenge approaching 3 out, soon weakened, 5th of 7, well behind Sire De Grugy (11-6) at Kempton 2m nov hdl G2 (1) gs in Feb.
Head Hunted 5-4fav (10-12) Led, not fluent and joined 4th, pressed 3 out, ridden and headed before next, soon lost 2nd and beaten, weakened to 4th 2 out, finished tired, tailed off, 4th of 8, 46l behind Kayef (10-12) at Sandown 2m 4yo hdl (4) gs in Feb.
King's Realm (IRE) 50-1 (9-9) Mid-division, headway to chase leaders 4 out, ridden before next, one pace and no impression when went left 2 out, went modest 4th soon after, 4th of 15, 16l behind Via Galilei (10-12) at Newbury 2m hcp hdl 0-135 (3) gs.
