not jumped well, tracked leaders, mistake 4th, pushed along next, blundered 4 out, soon weakened, behind when pulled up before last
led, ridden and headed approaching 3 out, one paced next
prominent, headway to challenge 4 oiut, led before next, driven out
prominent, headway 3 out, every chance next, one paced run in
The Scottish Champion Hurdle has brought together an excellent field. Flame Creek was disappointing in the Champion Hurdle but it materialised that he was under the weather at the time. He had earlier looked very useful in running up a four-timer, including Haydock's Champion Hurdle Trial, and, back on going he likes, has to be considered. Thisthatandtother is a top-class novice. Second to Rhinestone Cowboy in Wincanton's Kingwell Hurdle, he followed that with a fifth in the Supreme Novices' Hurdle at Cheltenham. However, Westender, on only his second run of the season, finished second to Rooster Booster in the Smurfit Champion Hurdle, which was a fine effort. In Contrast, who was sixth in the same race when beaten 10-and-a-quarter lengths by Martin Pipe's runner, is a useful 11lbs better off at the weights here, and that could make all the difference. As such, In Contrast, racing on going he likes, gets the vote. Hitman was a useful hurdler a couple of seasons ago but reverts to the smaller obstacles after some hit and miss efforts over fences.
