tracked leader, disputed lead 10th, led after 3 out, every chance and hit 2 out, headed before last, one pace
tracked leader early, dropped rear 5th, tailed off 8th
held up, tracked leader 6th, challenged 2 out, led approaching last, ridden out, comfortable
held up last, hit 6th, stayed in touch to 11th, soon weakened, tailed off
close up, led 10th, headed before 2 out, weakened before last
led after 2nd, headed 10th, weakened next, soon tailed off
led to 2nd, stayed in touch until weakened 8th, soon tailed off
Krach, a winner of three non-thoroughbred flat races in France, has shown promise in two starts over hurdles and is taken to open his account in that sphere today at the main expense of Material World and Mister Flint. The last mentioned was a consistent performer in bumpers last season and looks to be just as good over hurdles if judged by his unlucky debut effort when falling two out when in the lead at Haydock last month. Outclassed behind useful flat recruit Inglis Drever in a Grade 2 contest at Sandown last time, this is more suitable for the Philip Hobbs-trained gelding, who rates a bigger danger than Folkestone winner Material World. Suzy Smith's mare was well held by Diamant Noir at Towcester subsequently and may again struggle under her penalty. Red Devil Robert ran with credit on his Chepstow debut and represents the in-form yard of Paul Nicholls. He has to be respected but, like the others, has it to do to get the better of Krach. Francois Doumen's gelding has done little wrong in his two starts over timber, the first in his native country and latterly over course and distance last year when a well beaten second of five in the mud behind Ad Hoc. The son of Lute Antique had some useful types behind him that day and with ground conditions more suitable here, he looks the one to be on.
