with leaders, ridden approaching 3 out, one pace from next
always towards rear, hit 2nd, pushed along 4 out, behind when pulled up before next
held up, headway after 4 out, ridden and every chance 2 out, weakening when hit last
made most, ridden approaching 2 out, headed and one pace flat
held up, ridden after 4 out, no impression
held up, ridden after 4 out, soon weakened
with leaders, ridden approaching 3 out, soon weakened
tracked leaders, pushed along 4 out, behind when pulled up before next
held up, pushed along from 5th, soon weakened, pulled up before 3 out
held up, hit 5th, headway 4 out, ridden approaching 2 out, stayed on well to lead flat
ridden after 5th, behind from 3 out
This will be a tough test for many of this field, due the boggy ground and lack of experience over hurdles. Militaire, however, ran well in a better class race at Wetherby a fortnight ago and gets the TEAMtalk nod here. He ran well over hurdles on heavy ground in France, being placed twice, so he will not be put off by the mud. He finished just 13 lengths fifth to the more experienced Jaboune last time; he ran out of steam inside the final half-mile and looked like he needed that first run. This is an easier event, and he has the measure of both Ramblees Holly and Premier Ambitions, who finished 10th and 20th respectively in that November Novices' Hurdle behind our selection. The major danger to Militaire will be Raise A McGregor. Sue Smith's runners have been in solid form so far this season; she's had four winners from 14 runners at the course so far. This six-year-old was pulled up after running a fairly good race last time out at Haydock and showed plenty of promise at Market Rasen in April. He is, however, unproven on the ground. Classic Conkers was runner-up at Fakenham three weeks ago, but has never handled going any worse than good to soft. Golden Chance makes his hurdling debut in this race, but didn't handle soft ground as a flat runner. His stablemate, Middlethorpe, also makes his first start over hurdles. He enjoyed five wins on the flat and won well on soft ground at Doncaster back in March, but the blinkers are a worry. Native Drum didn't impress in either his two hurdles starts in Ireland, while Amsara has been well-beaten in all his starts to date. Flossy Tops ran well fresh in a Newcastle bumper in January, but has struggles since, including last time out at Carlisle.
