chased leaders, ridden after 5 out, in 4th and beat when hampered and fell 3 out
chased leader, mistake 5th, ridden and jumped left 3 out, soon weakened
in rear, ridden after 5 out, disputing 4th when unseated 4 out
held up, took closer order 6th, went 2nd on bit approaching 4 out, taking up to lead approaching last, ridden out
led, ridden 3 out, headed approaching last, not quicken flat
Le Duc looks the business here and gets the vote over Ryders Storm and Skiddaw Rose. The Paul Nicholls-trained selection was a very good novice hurdler and ended last season by winning a Grade 2 hurdle at Aintree. He is reported to have schooled well and holds a very good chance here. Like the selection, Ryders Storm is a four year old but already has chasing experience in Britain, having finished second to Multeen River at Southwell last time. Skiddaw Rose finished second to easy winner Flame Creek at Kelso last time, so he too has experience, and the pair will expose any flaw in the selection's game. A repeat of River Rising's fifth to Kimdaloo at Hexham in May gives him place claims but Le Duc gets our vote.
