chased winner, every chance approaching 2 out, soon driven and outpaced, kept on flat, no chance with winner
made all, well clear last, eased flat
behind, some headway 2 out, never dangerous
in touch, lost place after 3rd, soon behind
mid-division, ridden after 4 out, weakened next
mid-division, reminders and headway after 3rd, weakened and jumped right from 5th
held up and keen, some headway 2 out, never dangerous
mid-division, headway and not fluent 5th, soon weakened, behind when pulled up after next
chased leaders, ridden after 6th, soon weakened
A poor novice hurdle that may go the way of Treaty Stone, Kilindini and pure Pleasure could be the main rivals, Jonjo O'Neill is still not quite in top form but has had a steady flow of winners recently and Treaty Stone can add to the tally. He showed plenty of promise in bumpers and may have needed his recent outing behind Kirkham Abbey. We could see a much improved performance today and he looks the best option in a weak contest. Kilindini is a consistent sort and ran another decent race last time when second to Aspra. With ground and trip in his favour he should be on the premises. Pure Pleasure was well supported on his seasonal return but came a cropper at the last when well in contention. If he can stay upright today he should be involved in the finish. Any money for the Michael Scudamore newcomer Dark Rum should be heeded, but Treaty Stone will not have to improve too much to take this event and he gets our vote.
Explosive Fox (IRE) 16-1 (11-1) With leader, led 3rd to 5th, prominent until weakened quickly 9th, 9th of 10, well behind Romany Prince (11-8) at Stratford 2m 6f nov hdl (C) gf.
Kilindini 7-4 (11-3) Led until after 1st, chased leader, led after 6th, ridden approaching 2 out, hung left after last, headed final 50 yards, 2nd of 8, 1 1/2l behind Aspra (10-5) at Worcester 2m 4f nov hdl (E) gf.
Foreign Field (FR) 33-1 (10-9) Held up in touch, lost touch 5th, tailed off and pulled up 2 out in race won by Decisive (11-4) at N Abbot 2m 3f nov hdl (D) gd, 10 ran.
Mr Fisher (IRE) 5-1 (12-0) 5th of 13, 41l behind Up Your Street (11-9) at Rhydygwern 3m ptp gd in May.
Pure Pleasure (NZ) 5-1 (10-12) Mid-division, steady headway from 5th, ridden to chase leaders 2 out, narrow 2nd when fell at the last in race won by Beechwood (10-2) at Worcester 2m nov hdl (E) gf in May, 11 ran.
That's For Sure 8-1 (10-12) Led after 1st, headed 5th, weakened approaching 2 out, tailed off, 5th of 9, well behind Moscow Blue (10-9) at Worcester 3m nov hdl (E) gf.
Treaty Stone 9-1 (11-2) Mid-division until weakened mistake 7th, 4th of 14, 16l behind Kirkham Abbey (11-2) at Bangor 2m 4f mdn hdl (E) gs.
Takeachanceonhim 33-1 (10-12) Raced keenly, held up, took closer order after 3rd, behind from 5th, 4th of 8, 19l behind Aspra (10-5) at Worcester 2m 4f nov hdl (E) gf.
