held up, headway to go 3rd after 10th, led after 3 out, mistake 2 out, ridden and headed last, soon beaten
raced keenly, held up, went 3rd 4th, went 2nd 7th, led last, easily
took keen hold, led to 2nd, chased leader to 7th, led 10th, went left 3 out, soon headed, weakened approaching last
chased leading pair to 4th, jumped slowly 6th, behind approaching 3 out, went left last
led 2nd, not fluent 4th or 9th, headed when mistake 10th, weakened and pulled up before 3 out
If I'm So Lucky is none the worse for his tumble on his chasing debut at Uttoxeter he should have little trouble in landing this. David Pipe's charge improved right throughout the second half of last season and turned in an excellent performance in the Swinton Hurdle behind Blue Bajan. His jumping was perfectly adequate prior to his exit at Uttoxeter, where he appeared to jump the obstacle fine and stumble two strides after the fence. Tagula Blue was a smart novice hurdler but like many, found it hard to cut-the-mustard last season in handicaps owing to his lofty rating. That said he ran some very respectable races, most notably when a staying on sixth in the Coral Cup at Cheltenham. Conditions should prove no problem but based on the selections performace at Haydock, he has it all to do. Star Shot has disappointed since two promising efforts early last season and handicaps are where he is likely to be seen at his best. City Affair qualifies for a handicap mark following this but is certainly a contender for the placings but I'm So Lucky can put behind the disappointment of his Uttoxeter and land this.
City Affair 9-4fav (11-0) Held up, mistake 2nd, ridden after 4 out, kept on near finish, no chance with winner, 2nd of 9, 4 1/2l behind Chrysander (11-0) at Fontwell 2m 2f beg chs (4) gf in May.
I'm So Lucky 4-7fav (11-0) Held up in rear, headway 6th, disputing close 2nd when stumbled and fell 5 out in race won by Strong Weld (10-7) at Uttoxeter 2m 4f beg chs (4) gd in May, 9 ran.
Insignia (IRE) 11-1 (10-12) In touch, mistake 6th, lost place next, 6th of 7, 22l behind Mister Benedictine (10-12) at Huntingdon 2m nov chs (4) gd in May.
Mistified (IRE) 12-1 (10-8) Mid-division, ridden after 7th, mistake and weakened 8th, 8th of 13, 39l behind Kristoffersen (11-5) at Fontwell 2m 6f hcp hdl 0-110 (4) gd in May.
Mortar 100-1 (11-5) Led until 2nd, chased leaders until weakened approaching 6th, 10th of 13, well behind Grasp (10-9) at Fontwell 2m 2f mdn hdl (5) hvy in Feb '06.
Star Shot (IRE) 14-1 (11-0) Held up, ridden approaching 3 out, weakened after next, 5th of 8, 13l behind Oscar Bay (11-0) at Haydock 2m 4f beg chs (2) gd in May.
Tagula Blue (IRE) 8-1 (11-0) Prominent, driven after 8th, weakened 2 out, 12th of 15, 41l behind Schindlers Son (10-0) at Uttoxeter 2m 4f hcp hdl (2) gs in May.
