made all, shaken up 4 out, driven clear from next, kept on, ridden out flat, comfortably
held up in rear when blundered and unseated rider 3rd
tracked leading pair, mistakes 2nd and 5th, ridden after 4 out, went 2nd next, kept on same pace, no chance with winner
tracked winner, reminder before 5th, ridden and effort after 4 out, no impression when lost 2nd next, soon weakened, tailed off
Winning pointer Book Of Excuses came home seventh of ten on his hurdling debut for Donald McCain at Perth but wasn't beaten that far and will come on for the outing with AP McCoy aboard. Aglaophonos has had quite a few chances over hurdles now and whilst his overall profile brings him into contention, PALOMA'S PRINCE makes greater appeal. A dual winner on the level for Jim Boyle, he's shaped very nicely on both hurdle starts, fourth to Huff And Puff on debut at Kempton before overcoming Grey Blue next time here in a right battle. He seems sure to improve again, should stay the longer trip and is taken to follow up with Richard Johnson an excellent booking.
Book Of Excuses (IRE) 7-2 (11-0) Tracked leader, led narrowly when blundered 2 out, headed before last, soon weakened, 7th of 10, 13l behind The Banastoir (11-0) at Perth 2m 4f mdn hdl (5) gd.
Grissom (FR) 50-1 (11-2) Always behind, pulled up before 3 out, in a race won by Rohan's Pride (11-7) at Downpatrick 2m 5f hts chs gd in Jun, 13 ran.
Paloma's Prince (IRE) 9-2 (10-4) Always prominent, every chance 2 out, stayed on strongly after last to lead towards finish, won at Worcester 2m cond mdn hdle (4) gf in Jun beating Grey Blue (10-6) by 1l, 12 ran.
Aglaophonos 5-1 (10-9) Shared 2nd, not fluent and ridden 2 out, no impression on winner from last, stayed on towards finish, 2nd of 3, 2 1/4l behind Degooch (11-5) at Worcester 2m 4f nh nov hdl (4) gf.
Maria's Choice (IRE) 14-1 (11-0) Prominent until 3 out, 5th of 9, 46l behind Gurkha Brave (11-0) at Worcester 2m mdn hdl (5) gf.
Poetic Presence (IRE) 10-1 (10-5) Prominent, pushed along 8f out, no impression on leading pair 2f out, no extra from over 1f out, 3rd of 6, 17l behind Alphabet Bay (10-12) at Worcester 2m NH flat (6) gf in May.
