led, headed 4th, ridden 4 out, driven and weakened approaching last
tracked leaders, outpaced approaching 4 out, stayed on strongly from 2 out, just held
tracked leaders, shaken up to lead 3 out, hard driven from last, just held on
tracked leader, keen, led 4th, hit next, headed 3 out, weakened approaching last
This is a tough one, as none of the quartet can confidently be discounted. Still, FARNE ISLAND has claims on these terms and just edges the verdict over Sydney Sling, Hunting Tower and Aviation. The last named is consistent and is equally as effective over fences as he is over timber. However, a tactical affair may not be ideal for him and may be seen to better effect in a larger field. Hunting Tower won at Towcester last time out and will like the ground. Formerly useful on the Flat for Richard Hannon, the five-year-old seems to be getting the hang of things over hurdles and he is definitely one to be aware of in the betting market. Sydney Sling was of ordinary ability on the level during his time with John Oxx and but appears to have more ability under this code of racing. He has shown enough to figure strongly tonight and he may be a big threat to the selection. However, Farne Island has long threatened to win a race of this nature and, as he is a tad more consistent; the Mickey Hammond-trained six-year-old gets the nod as the one to be on here.
Aviation 13-2 (10-13) Tracked leaders, ridden approaching 4 out, never troubled leaders, 5th of 13, 24l behind Woody Valentine (11-3) at Sedgefield 2m 4f sell hdl (5) gd in Apr.
Sydney Sling (IRE) 18-1 (10-12) Chased leaders, weakened from 5th, last of 9, well behind Pepporoni Pete (10-13) at Bangor 2m 1f hcp hdl 0-120 (3) gs.
Hunting Tower 2-1fav (11-5) Held up, ridden and headway 2 out, led after last, ridden out, won at Towcester 2m hcp hdl 0-105 (4) gf beating Mohawk Star (10-13) by 1/2l, 8 ran.
Farne Island 11-2 (10-5) Tracked leaders, ridden to lead approaching 3 out, headed next, no extra from last, 3rd of 7, 3 1/2l behind Crazy Bold (10-0) at Wetherby 2m hcp hdl 0-115 (4) gs.