chased leader, ridden to lead 2 out, ran on
held up, headway to join leaders when hit 3 out, with winner and seemingly going better when fell 2 out
took keen hold, headway to go 3rd after 2nd, led after 3 out, ridden and headed next, left 2nd, kept on one pace flat
led, ridden and headed after 3 out, soon weakened, mistake and unseated rider 2 out
SWEET WORLD is narrowly preferred to Right Stuff in this handicap hurdle; the list of alternatives is headed by Oddshoes. The ground is a massive plus for Sweet World as he loves to get his toe in. He ran well at Cheltenham last month when he chased home Zafranager and he looks more than capable of winning this off his current mark. Right Stuff remains unexposed over hurdles and he looks the chief danger. However, he has been off the racecourse since a spin on the flat in August, and although he handles a bit of juice in the ground, he may find these conditions a little on the testing side. Oddshoes has twice won over hurdles but he has not been out since May so he will probably be sharper for the run. He has won over the course and distance and he will go on the ground so he could be of interest if the market vibes offer any encouragement. Norisan is the other course and distance winner in the field but the ground is against him today and we are happy to nominate Sweet World as the one to beat.
Oddshoes (IRE) 40-1 (10-13) In rear when fell 5th, in a race won by Joe Jo Star (11-0) at Haydock 2m hcp hdl G3 (1) gd in May, 24 ran.
Right Stuff (FR) 11-4fav (10-7) Held up mid-division, hit 3 out, headway approaching 2 out, one pace from last, 3rd of 10, 4 1/2l behind Dancewiththedevil (9-9) at Stratford 2m hcp hdl 0-135 (3) gd in Jul.
Sweet World 11-1 (10-9) Held up in touch, steady headway from 4 out, chased leaders approaching 2 out, ridden to challenge and 1 length down last, kept on under pressure flat, 2nd of 11, 1/2l behind Zafranagar (10-11) at Cheltenham 2m nov hcp hdl (3) sft in Nov.
Sun Quest 20-1 (11-5) Always in rear, ridden and weakened 3 out, last of 9, 37l behind Kashmina (10-2) at Taunton 2m 1f hcp hdl 0-115 (4) sft in Nov.
Norisan 28-1 (9-11) Behind, under pressure 5th, soon beaten, last of 10, well behind Simply Blue (11-7) at Wincanton 2m hcp hdl 0-120 (3) gd in Oct.