held up in touch, hampered 3rd, headway 3 out, soon chasing leader, hit 2 out, effort approaching last, stayed on well
chased leader, led 4 out, strongly challenged last, kept on well under pressure
chased leaders, under pressure 4 out, went 3rd next, never able to challenge
held up in touch when fell 3rd
led, soon clear, pushed along 4 out, soon headed, weakened quickly, tailed off, moderate 4th
Hibiki was tailed off on his recent comeback but won a seller at Fakenham last May and a repeat effort would see him thereabouts. Sweet World landed a couple of handicap hurdles last autumn and should have too much for the returning Olivino if in similar form today, but Great Esteem looks up against it on these terms. WAR PARTY was expected to do better when third over hurdles at Fakenham last week as he occupied the same position in a chase at Sandown last month off a 9lb higher mark. He's worth another chance here and gets the vote.
Sweet World 5-1 (11-1) Last trio, mistake 2nd, headway approaching 3 out, mistake and weakened 2 out, 6th of 8, 14l behind One For Joules (11-10) at Ffos Las 2m hcp hdl 0-140 (3) gd in Oct.
Great Esteem (IRE) 16-1 (11-12) Always off the pace towards rear, never on terms, struggling 7th, tailed off, 6th of 11, 45l behind My Brother Sylvest (12-1) at Wincanton 2m 6f hcp hdl 0-100 (5) gd in Oct.
Hibiki (IRE) 16-1 (11-2) Always in rear, 10th of 11, 50l behind Conquisto (11-2) at Fakenham 2m hcp hdl 0-125 (3) gd.
Olivino (GER) 12-1 (11-1) Held up towards rear, hampered 1st, headway 5th, ridden after 3 out, well held before next, 5th of 11, 17l behind Dereks (11-12) at Newton Abbot 2m 1f hcp hdl 0-115 (4) gf in Jul.
War Party 7-2 (11-0) Tracked leaders, chased leader 5th, led 3 out, mistake and headed 2 out, plugged on same pace, 3rd of 10, 16l behind Ponte Di Rosa (10-0) at Fakenham 2m sell hdl (5) gd.
