made all, keen early, not fluent 2nd, hit 4th, not fluent 5th, pressed when hit 6th, ridden after 3 out, asserted between last 2, ran on
held up in last pair, jumped slowly 4th, lost touch approaching 6th, tailed off
chased leaders, wandered badly approaching 5th, weakened before next, tailed off
prominent, not fluent 2nd, ridden after 4th, soon struggling, weakened after 5th, tailed off when pulled up before 2 out
held up in last pair, headway to go modest 3rd 3 out, stayed on flat, never dangerous
not fluent, towards rear, behind 5th, no chance when jumped left 6th, tailed off
tracked winner, strong challenge from 6 until 2 out, stayed on same pace approaching last
An ordinary novice hurdle can go to BARIZAN, who gets the nod over The Boat Shed, True Britannia and Talimos at this stage. Talimos represents powerful connections so also has to be respected. The three-year-old made fair progress for Ralph Beckett during his time on the Flat - winning a maiden at Brighton before finding himself out of his depth in the Queen's Vase at Royal Ascot in June. He then failed to land a blow in a valuable handicap at York; showing signs of temperament and finished down the field. Still, he is an interesting recruit to the jumping game and David Pipe is sure to mould him into shape before too long. True Britannia, on the other hand, has been with a number of yards and is exposed as ordinary on the level. She has, however, taken well to hurdling and may be able to pay her way. That said she wouldn't appear to want much further than the minimum trip for the time being. The Boat Shed has also shown an aptitude for jumping and is going the right way. He will sport blinkers for the first time in public this afternoon; and may be sharpened up for the tactic. However, Barizan has the edge on the form in the book so far and looks a safer bet today. Being the mount of Tony McCoy, he is very likely to be a popular choice in the betting. But the son of Kalanisi has been found a weak race and is fully expected to exploit the opening.
Barizan (IRE) 4-11fav (11-5) Jumped slowly, chased leaders, left 2nd 4th, jumped left next, soon ridden, weakened approaching 3 out, 3rd of 8, well behind Fongoli (10-2) at Stratford 2m 3yo nov hdl (3) gd.
Graycliffe (IRE) 25-1 (10-12) Mid-division, ridden 4 out, soon held, 6th of 10, 41l behind Graysland (9-12) at Ffos Las 2m 3yo mdn hdl (4) gd in Jun.
Talimos (IRE) 9-1 (9-1) Held up behind, chased leaders halfway, weakened over 3f out, 6th of 8, well behind Akmal (9-7) at York 1m 6f 3yo hcp 0-95 (3) gd (flat).
The Boat Shed (IRE) 16-1 (10-12) Tracked leaders, ridden and outpaced after 3 out, kept on under pressure from last, no impression, 3rd of 6, 10l behind Fongoli (10-12) at Newton Abbot 2m 1f 3yo nov hdl (4) gd.
Diamond Dee 33-1 (8-7) In rear, ridden 4f out, some late progress, 8th of 12, 13l behind Hallstatt (8-12) at Lingfield 1m 2f mdn auc stks (5) pol in May (flat).
Indigo Belle (IRE) 25-1 (8-7) Held up towards rear, never dangerous, 7th of 10, 22l behind Ask Dan (8-12) at Carlisle 1m 3yo sll (6) gd (flat).
True Britannia 7-1 (10-0) Held up in rear, headway 6th, chased winner approaching 2 out, no chance, weakened flat, lost 2nd towards finish, 3rd of 9, 15l behind Rupestrian (11-1) at Market Rasen 2m 1f 3yo nov hdl (3) gd.
