held up towards rear, some headway approaching 3 out, soon ridden, beaten when fell next
in touch, ridden after 3 out, kept on same pace
led until after 2nd, prominent, led approaching 6th, until after 3 out, weakened next
held up in rear, steady headway from 6th, led after 3 out, stayed on well, ridden out
chased leaders, ridden approaching 3 out,one pace
held up mid-division, mistake and unseated rider 2nd
in touch, ridden and weakened after 3 out
always behind, tailed off
mid-division until weakened after 3 out
held up in touch, smooth headway after 3 out, pressed winner from next, ridden and every chance last, kept on, no extra flat
always towards rear
soon struggling in rear, pulled up before 5th
prominent, led after 2nd until 6th, chased leaders, ridden after 3 out, stayed on
chased leaders, close 3rd and ridden 2 out, kept on same pace
held up towards rear, headway 7th, ridden approaching 2 out, weakening when blundered badly last
chased leaders, mistake 7th, soon weakened, tailed off
A good competitive event to start the card, with many to consider but our vote goes to Olney Lad, but there are many others to consider. Looking at the runners. Count Tony has been a revelation this season, winning four of his last five races. He has risen 39lbs as a consequence, including ten pounds from his latest win. It is hard to imagine that there is a lot more to come but, by the same token, it would be folly to rule him out. Cornish Gale is very well regarded by his trainer but is 16lbs higher now than for his course and distance win in May. He is entitled to be improving but, interestingly, holds a Racing Post Chase entry. The beautifully-bred Reviewer lost his way after showing a lot of promise last season and has recently changed stables. Olney Lad is interesting in that he is lightly-raced and progressive and has won two of his last three races. The handicapper has taken no chances with his rating, though, but he could still go well. Mount Karinga has a similar profile so is another to seriously bear in mind. Indeed looked good when winning his novice hurdle in 2002 but reverts to hurdling now after not faring too well over fences and his stable is in good form. Jonjo O'Neill's Lorenzino is certainly well-handicapped based on his Kempton 2002 win, while watch for signs of market support for Philip Hobbs' Parsons Legacy. Glacial Evening has done well in winning his last two races but might be done for toe by one or two today, and Best Mate's brother, Inca Trail, has a way to go before he gets close to emulating his sibling. It's a wide-open race with a tentative selection being Olney Lad.
