held up and keen, headway 6th, led 2 out, clear last, pushed out
jumped left, tracked leaders, tried to run out when rider lost irons and lost place 4th, rallied approaching 3 out, soon ridden, weakened 2 out
held up, ridden after 6th, no impression
in touch, headway 4th, led approaching 3 out, ridden and headed 2 out, kept on
jumped left, prominent, lost place 6th, effort 3 out, weakened next
keen, mid-division, headway approaching 5th, ridden approaching 3 out, soon weakened
always behind, tailed off when pulled up before 7th
always behind, tailed off when pulled up before 2 out
Cross The Highman has an obvious chance in this novices' hurdle and is taken to open his account at the main expense of Gan Eagla and Izzykeen. The last mentioned showed a consistent level of form in bumpers prior to making an encouraging start to his hurdling career when a close fourth behind Alroyal at Uttoxeter last month. He probably rates a bigger threat than the Venetia Williams-trained Gan Eagla who has been pulled up in his last two starts, both in handicap-company. Nigel Twiston-Davies introduces Gigondas, a son of Zaffaran, who would not need to be out of the ordinary to make a winning debut. A market move for him would be of interest. The John Manners-trained Hi Rudolf looks out of his depth in a race that lacks strength in depth and that should go to Cross The Highman. Jonjo O'Neill's gelding has shown improvement this term since coming from Ireland and a reproduction of his last time out effort behind Brush A King should suffice.
