led, ridden and headed approaching 2 out, weakened approaching last
prominent, ridden to chase leader approaching 2 out, one pace
chased leader, ridden and weakened after 3 out
prominent, ridden and weakened 3 out, pulled up before 2 out
always behind, lost touch 3 out, pulled up before 2 out
mid-division, headway after 3 out, ridden and chased leaders 2 out, switched right approaching last, led flat, all out to dead heat post
mid-division, shaken up approaching 2 out, never troubled leaders, hit last
mid-division, headway to chase leaders after 3 out, ridden to lead 2 out, hit last, headed after, rallied to dead heat post
prominent, mistakes throughout, led briefly approaching 2 out, blundered last, weakened
always towards rear, pulled up after 3 out
BLUE TWEED can land this competitive maiden hurdle with Always Cruising and Fly With The Stars offered as the alternatives. The gelding is progressing steadily since returning to action back in February. Stamina has been a problem but this step down in trip should prove to be of benefit to the lightly raced five-year-old. Always Cruising has performed with credit in his last two outings and is improving. Again this step down in trip will aid the gelding's efforts but a finish in the minors looks likely. Four-year-old Fly With The Stars has been largely disappointing this year since a step up in trip. This slightly shorter trip may offer some salvation to the gelding and should see him make the frame. Jackers ran well last time but stamina is a problem, Thoroughly Red is an experienced winner and can pose a serious threat if he can improve on his last outing but none look like getting the better of Blue Tweed.
Apache Indian (USA) 50-1 (11-0) In rear, not jumped well, lost touch 5th, pulled up before 2 out, in a race won by Proper (11-7) at Wincanton 2m nh nov hdl (4) gd in Mar, 10 ran.
Blue Tweed 66-1 (11-0) Tracked leader, ridden and weakened after 3 out when jumping right, 4th of 7, well behind Pilgrims Lane (10-11) at Hereford 2m 1f nh nov hdl (4) gf in Mar.
Monsignor Fred 100-1 (11-0) Held up towards rear when brought down 6th, in a race won by The Treacle Eater (11-0) at Hereford 2m 4f mdn hdl (4) gd, 16 ran.
Nice Pick (FR) Nikos gelding out of Grande Route.
Thetearsthaticry (IRE) 100-1 (11-0) In rear and keen, mistake 1st, rider lost irons and pulled up approaching 2nd, in a race won by Proper (11-7) at Wincanton 2m nh nov hdl (4) gd in Mar, 10 ran.
Always Cruising (USA) 9-1 (10-2) Mid-division, ridden 3 out, no impression, 4th of 11, 21l behind Art Trend (10-7) at Taunton 2m 1f mdn hdl (5) fm in Mar.
Fly With The Stars (USA) 33-1 (10-7) Blundered 3 out, always towards rear, tailed off, 8th of 13, well behind Fade To Grey (11-0) at Newton Abbot 2m 1f mdn hdl (4) gf in Mar.
Jackers 25-1 (10-7) Tracked leader until 5th, soon ridden, weakened after 3 out, 8th of 13, 28l behind Yetholm (10-2) at Taunton 2m 1f nh nov hdl (4) gs in Mar.
Thoroughly Red (IRE) 9-1 (10-8) In touch, ridden and struggling 3 out, 5th when blundered badly 2 out and weakened, 8th of 11, 34l behind Sam Lord (11-0) at Plumpton 2m mdn hdl (5) gd.
Barton Lora 20-1 (11-0) Prominent, ridden 3f out, weakened over 2f out, 7th of 16, 14l behind Bella Haze (10-7) at Hereford 2m 1f N H flat (6) gd in Nov.