tracked leaders, weakened 7th, lost touch 9th
mid-division, lost touch 7th, pulled up before 9th
held up mid-division, smooth headway 7th to track leaders, ridden to lead 2 out, hard ridden and headed line
tracked leader, ridden 8th, weakened next
mid-division, ridden 7th, weakened 9th
in touch, ridden to chase leaders 8th, weakened soon after 3 out
led, ridden 10th, soon headed and weakened
held up towards rear, headway 8th, ridden and switched right approaching last, kept on to lead line (hand timed)
help up towards rear, headway 8th, ridden and outpaced next, chased leading pair 2 out, ran on
in touch, ridden and weakening when mistake 3 out
This is a competitive handicap hurdle and the principals look to be Harry's Dream, Rosses Point and Why The Big Paws and the vote is given to the first mentioned. The selection won well over fences last time and he returns to hurdling in great heart. His stable is in decent form and he looks to have been found a really good opportunity here to get his head in front. Rosses Point rates the main danger as he has been running well and this ground will suit. The step-up in trip will play to his strengths and if our selection fails to fire he should be the one to profit. Why The Big Paws was well beaten over fences last time and although this mare would have a chance on her best form, she looks to have gone off the boil. Cabrillo is unproven over this trip so she can¿t be backed with any confidence and for the winner we will return to the in form Harry's Dream.
Why The Big Paws 4-1 (10-12) Made most until after 15th, soon weakened, 6th of 8, well behind Rosie Redman (11-7) at Kelso 3m 4f hcp chs 0-125 (D) sft in Apr '05.
Cabrillo (IRE) 9-4jt-fav (10-9) Held up in touch, weakened from 5th, 5th of 9, 32l behind Yenaled (11-2) at Market Rasen 2m 1f nov hdl (4) hvy in Mar.
Harry's Dream 4-1fav (11-12) Held up in touch, challenging when blundered badly 3 out, rallied to lead flat, all out, won at Ludlow 3m hcp chs 0-115 (D) gf in Oct beating Galtee View (10-8) by a shd, 10 ran.
Solway Minstrel 12-1 (10-11) Tracked leaders, outpaced 9th, ridden next, stayed on from last, 3rd of 7, 8l behind Global Challenge (11-4) at Perth 3m nov hdl (E) gd in Jul '04.
Jesper (FR) 50-1 (10-10) Always behind, ridden 5th, never dangerous, tailed off, 10th of 16, well behind Abraham Smith (10-11) at Hereford 2m 3f hcp hdl 0-110 (4) gd in Mar.
The Flyer (IRE) 9-1 (10-13) Held up, never dangerous, 8th of 17, 29l behind Witness Time (11-2) at Hereford 3m 2f cnd hcp hdl 0-110 (4) gd in Mar.
Lonesome Man (IRE) 11-2 (11-4) Led at good pace, headed after 7th, weakened after next and pulled up at the 11th in race won by Shaadiva (11-12) at N Abbot 2m 5f hcp chs 0-120 (D) gf in Aug, 11 ran.
Rosses Point (IRE) 4-1fav (11-3) Mid-division, mistake and rider lost iron 4th, headway 9th, ridden and every chance approaching 3 out, no extra towards finish, 2nd of 14, 5l behind Malko De Beaumont (11-7) at Uttoxeter 2m 5f nov hcp chs 0-100 (4) gs in Feb.