behind and reminders from 3rd, ridden after 9th, took poor 3rd approaching last
always towards rear, hampered 13th, tailed off when pulled up before 2 out
jumped right, always prominent, led approaching 4 out, clear last, ridden out
mistakes, held up, headway 5th, ridden 12th, weakened 14th
in touch, headway to lead 10th, fell 13th
led to 10th, ridden when left in lead 13th, headed approaching 4 out, weakened approaching last
jumped right, prominent to 11th, tailed off when pulled up before 13th
A cracking novice chase for this time of year in which four horses that really stand out are Smiths Landing, Gallik Dawn, High Drama and Galileo, with the vote going to the last named. The 2002 Royal & SunAlliance Hurdle had struggled in recent years over hurdles and although came to grief first time over fences put that behind him at Perth last month and can only improve from that experience. Gallik Dawn has the services of Mick Fitzgerald and won nicely when beating subsequent winner Pete The Painter at Uttoxeter last time out and looks a very promising six year old with a certain future. Smiths Landing could do no more than asked when winning over course and distance on his debut over fences earlier in the month and won with his head in his chest. He again looks certain to improve but may have to settle for minor honours today. High Drama has his debut over fences today and AP McCoy is an eye-catching jockey booking. He has had more time off the track than on it, but won a flat race at Bath earlier in the month so should be fit. However, Galileo has an obvious chance on the pick of his hurdles form and may have too much class for his rivals today.
