held up in rear, headway 7th, led 3 out, ridden and headed after next, kept on same pace
mid-division, mistake 7th, ridden to chase leaders approaching 2 out, never nearer
held up towards rear, headway approaching 3 out, stayed on under pressure to go 2nd last, kept on but no impression
mistakes, tracked leader, headway and every chance 3 out, ridden and one pace from next
chased leaders, outpaced 3 out, soon beaten
hit 1st, held up, headway approaching 3 out, led after next, driven clear and not fluent last, stayed on
led, quickened halfway, hit 4 out, headed next, soon weakened
mid-division, outpaced 3 out, ridden next, kept on under pressure from last, no impression on leaders
mid-division, lost place halfway, behind when hit 4 out
County Classic showed improved form when stepped up in trip on his final outing of last season and may be worth chancing on his reappearance in a race where Cottam Grange and Green 'n' Gold rate the main dangers. The selection is less exposed than most of his rivals and Tim Easterby's gelding looked to be going the right way when last seen. He is taken to make up for lost time. Mick Easterby has a good record with his hurdlers at Wetherby and his representative Cottam Grange has shown enough over staying trips to suggest that he can play a part in the finish. Joint top weight Noblefir faces no easy task under 11st 12lb on his return to action and he is probably best watched today. Fantastico has more to do than when successful at Perth in June and of more interest may be Micky Hammond's Green 'n' Gold. The daughter of Cloudings has done little wrong in two novice hurdles this term but would not appear to be particularly well treated for his debut in this grade. Charnwood Street looks to be in the grip of the handicapper and a bigger threat may be Ferdy Murphy's Union Deux who is entitled to strip fitter for his recent return. County Classic holds solid claims if fit enough for his reappearance though and looks worth a small investment.
