held up towards rear, ridden and headway approaching 3 out, weakened approaching 2 out
prominent and pulled early, led approaching 2nd, ridden and headed 3 out, soon weakened
prominent, ridden to lead approaching 2 out, headed approaching last, ridden and drifted right flat, no extra
prominent, ridden and every chance approaching 2 out, kept on well from last, not pace of winner
mid-division, ridden 5th weakened 3 out
held up in mid-division, headway after 3 out, ridden and led approaching last, driven out flat
chased leaders, pecked 1st, ridden and every chance 2 out, one pace from last
chased leader, led 3 out, ridden and headed approaching 2 out, mistake 2 out, weakening when blundered and unseated rider last
held up towards rear, jumped left 5th, ridden and weakened 3 out
held up in mid-division, headway 3 out, kept on one pace after
held up towards rear, ridden 5th, some headway after 3 out, weakened 2 out
always behind, not fluent 1st, not jumped well throughout, soon no impression
pulled early, held up towards rear, pecked 3rd, ridden and effort 3 out, weakened 2 out
led to approaching 2nd, in touch until ridden and weakened 5th
An interesting race for future reference and one that can give the Paul Nicholls contingent more to cheer about at their local track if Breedsbreeze lives up to expectations, while Pimbury, Farmer's Lad and Grecian Groom are others to note in the betting market. Grecian Groom is a well-bred type that would have caught the eye over middle distances on the level. However, he has adapted to hurdling well and confirmed he is on the upgrade with a gutsy win at Lingfield earlier this month. However, he faces a stiff test under a penalty and needs everything to go his way. Farmer's Lad, whose dam is from the family of the ultra-tough Lady Rebecca, was not given a hard time on his hurdling debut last month and is sure to be wiser for the experience. He may be helped by the drop in distance and is one to seriously monitor in the markets. Pimbury was another that caught the eye when he was introduced at Kempton (the winner of that race has subsequently looked to be a very useful individual). A step up in distance will see this fellow in a better light but he is very much one to keep updating in the notebook. A similar statement has to be forwarded about the selection, as Breedsbreeze is still learning his trade. Still, he showed enough to win an Irish point-to-point before joining the Nicholls team for the new campaign and he is expected to be a whole lot sharper now that he has experience of hurdles.
Grecian Groom (IRE) 33-1 (11-5) Held up, headway 5th, challenged 2 out, shaken up to lead flat, cleverly, won at Lingfield 2m nov hdl (4) hvy beating Reidwil (10-7) by 1/2l, 11 ran.
Bayford Boy 25-1 (10-11) Always behind, 9th of 14, 43l behind Brochrua (10-4) at N Abbot 2m 3f sll hdl (5) gf in Apr.
Breedsbreeze (IRE) 7-2 (11-0) In touch, went 3rd after 3 out, ridden to challenge next, kept on same pace, lost 2nd close home, 3rd of 16, 6l behind Barbers Shop (11-0) at Ascot 2m 6f nh mdn hdl (3) gd in Dec.
Captain Marlon (IRE) 16-1 (10-12) Held up, headway and mistake 4 out, in 3rd and weakening when not fluent last, 6th of 16, 30l behind Anglicisme (10-12) at Haydock 2m 4f nov hdl (4) hvy in Dec.
Champion de Sou (FR) Adnaan gelding, half-brother to numerous winners over jumps & in bumpers.
Chery D'or (FR) 10-1 (10-12) Mid-division, headway 5th, weakened approaching 3 out, tailed off when pulled up 2 out in race won by Air Force One (10-12) at Leicester 2m 4f nov hdl (3) sft in Dec, 14 ran.
Farmer's Lad (IRE) 9-2 (10-12) Held up in mid-division, ridden and headway approaching 3 out, weakened approaching 2 out, 6th of 14, 38l behind Here's Johnny (11-5) at Exeter 2m 3f nov hdl (4) gs in Dec.
Hugo Hackenbush (IRE) 12-1 (11-0) Always behind, 16th of 18, well behind Schiehallion (11-0) at Newbury 2m 4yo nhf (4) hvy in Nov.
Norwich County (IRE) 100-1 (11-0) Keen hold, always in rear, 11th of 18, well behind Duc De Regniere (11-0) at Newbury 2m nov hdl (2) gs in Dec.
Pimbury (IRE) 100-1 (10-9) Held up in rear, headway from 3 out, kept on flat, 3rd of 13, 13l behind My Turn Now (11-5) at Kempton 2m nh nov hdl (4) gs in Nov.
Seven Is Lucky (IRE) 7-1 (10-12) In touch, lost place 4th, ridden after 7th, soon weakened, 9th of 12, 41l behind Armariver (11-5) at Taunton 2m 3f nh nov hdl (4) sft in Dec.
Stars In His Eyes Wace gelding, brother to winning chaser Opportunity Knocks, half-brother to winning jumper Got News For You.
The Thunderer 14-1 (11-0) Held up, headway and not fluent 3rd, chased leaders 3 out, weakened approaching 2 out, 8th of 13, 42l behind Standin Obligation (11-7) at Towcester 2m nov hdl (E) gs in Apr '05.
Ebony Queen 14-1 (10-10) Held up rear and keen, headway 3 out, soon one pace, 9th of 15, well behind Miss Mitch (10-10) at Towcester 2m mrs nov hdl (4) gs in Oct.
