in touch, headway 3rd, ridden 3 out, weakened next, left 2nd last
led, ridden and headed after 5th, soon weakened
in touch, headway and not fluent 3rd, led after 5th, ridden and headed 3 out, jumped left next weakening and 8 lengths down when fell last
held up and keen, headway 4th, led 3 out, clear when jumped left 2 out, easily
held up, headway 4th, ridden approaching 3 out, soon weakened
towards rear, bumped 1st, headway 4th, weakened after next
jumped left 1st, always behind, tailed off when pulled up before 4th
chased leader, mistake 2nd, lost place 3rd, weakened after next
Three horses really stand out in this modest novice hurdle, namely Interstice, Sardagna and Nicely Presented with the vote going to the last named. Nicely Presented has been a touch frustrating in the fact that he is still a maiden, but he has been consistent of late and was knocking on the door at both Worcester when second to Tupila and at Southwell last time out when unable to quicken behind Ferzao. With a positive ride he may well get his head in front this afternoon. Of the others mentioned Interstice looks a promising prospect. A winner twice on the level last year over up to a mile and a half he improved considerably from his debut over course and distance to finish third behind Honor Rouge last time out and should once again give a good account of himself today. The Martin Pipe trained Sardagna is another worth noting after his winning debut in a seller at Southwell last time out when beating Kingfisher Sunset. Having said that, she will find this tougher and with a penalty is overlooked. So for the winner we return to Nicely Presented.
