led to after 1st, tracked leader and hit 5th, challenged 3 out, ridden and lost place before next, soon beaten
tracked leading pair, hit 5th, effort to lead 2 out, soon ridden, 5 lengths clear when jumped right last, kept on
behind, outpaced 4 out, soon weakened, tailed off
led after 1st, headed 2 out, soon ridden, 5 lengths down when jumped right last, no extra
Disappointingly just the four runners line up for this novices' hurdle and unless Don McCain's Just For Jean improves on recent starts over hurdles, it looks to be a virtual match between ASTURIENNE and Playing With Fire with preference for former. Alan King's mare did not progress as much as may have been anticipated in bumpers last season but she has improved for going over hurdles winning at both Towcester and Taunton and ultimately losing no caste in defeat when chasing home Ryde Back in between those successes. She will not mind the underfoot conditions and should take plenty of beating. Ionaguru has been well held in all three starts and is hard to recommend with a bigger threat likely to come form Playing With Fire. Rob Dickin's mare showed improved form when successful at Leicester last month and she has to be respected but it is hard to get away from Asturienne, who can win her third race over hurdles.
Asturienne 2-1 (11-2) Chased leaders, not fluent and led 4 out on inside, ridden before last, stayed on well flat, won at Taunton 2m 3f mrs nov hdl (3) sft in Dec beating Dolly Penrose (11-2) by 1 3/4l, 14 ran.
Playing With Fire (IRE) 12-1 (10-13) Badly hampered 1st, towards rear, headway approaching 5th, went 2nd before 3 out, led 2 out, stayed on well to draw clear flat, won at Leicester 2m mrs nov hdl (3) hvy in Jan beating Seasonselite (11-2) by 6l, 11 ran.
Ionaguru 100-1 (10-11) In rear, hampered 2nd, jumped slowly 5th, lost touch well before 3 out, tailed off when pulled up before last, in a race won by Banjaxed Girl (10-7) at Uttoxeter 2m mrs nov hdl (4) hvy in Jan, 7 ran.
Just For Jean (IRE) 25-1 (11-2) Mid-division, outpaced 3 out, never on terms, 6th of 16, 27l behind Diklers Oscar (11-2) at Newcastle 2m mdn hdl (4) sft in Jan.
