held up, headway approaching 3 out, challenged next, ridden to lead approaching last, headed flat, not quicken
prominent, hit 5th, went 2nd approaching 3 out, ridden approaching next, kept on
close up, pushed along and outpaced 4 out, weakened 2 out
held up, some headway approaching 3 out, soon ridden and weakened
led, ridden and headed approaching 3 out, weakening when hit next
held up mid-division, headway after 4 out, led and hit 3 out, ridden and headed approaching last, kept on to lead again flat
chased leader, ridden after 4 out, soon weakened
In the feature hurdle of the day Rigmarole is bidding to give Paul Nicholls his first valuable prize of the season, but on this occasion Virgin Soldier is expected to outgun him, with First Ballot and Gimmick also chasing the place money. Virgin Soldier has gone from strength to strength this season over the larger obstacles, having taken three modest events at Sedgefield without too much hassle. There shoudn't be any problems reverting back to hurdling and in this sort of form will take all the beating. Rigmarole also comes here at the top of his game following victories at Newton Abbot and Bangor and will be a hard nut to crack. David Elsworth's First Ballot has been a great servant to the stable and looks well treated on his best form. Meanwhile Gimmick gets in with a feather weight after showing tremendous promise at Chepstow on his seasonal bow and could make a bold bid, but in what is a fascinating contest Virgin Soldier should just have the edge.
