towards rear, reminder 7th, behind from next
held up in mid-division, headway halflway, ridden to challenge after 3 out, left in lead 2 out, left clear last, eased
in touch to 3rd, soon behind, tailed off when pulled up before 6th
towards rear, headway and in touch 8th, effort after 3 out, soon weakened, left remote 3rd last
held up towards rear, headway 9th, ridden to lead approaching 2 out, one length up when fell 2 out
towards rear, mistake 4th, never dangerous
close up to 3rd, soon behind, headway under pressure after 2 out, staying on when left, remote 2nd at the last
towards rear, weakened halfway, tailed off when pulled up before 3 out
mid-division, headway halfway to chase leaders, weakened approaching 3 out
mid-division, pushed along 8th, soon outpaced
tracked leader, led 9th, headed approaching 2 out, ridden and one length down when fell last
tracked leaders, led after 7th, headed 9th, soon ridden, weakened approaching 2 out
led, ridden and headed after 7th, soon weakened, tailed off when pulled up before 2 out
in touch, weakened after 8th, tailed off when pulled up before last
Bacyan could provide the answer in this novices' hurdle, with Young Claude, General Custer and Freedom Now catching the eye most of all among the opposition. The selection is the highest-rated of the runners to have attained an official mark, and he only has to run up to the form of his Wetherby second to Torche last time to hold a major chance here. Freedom Now is interesting in that he is nicely-bred and showed a lot of promise for Luca Cumani on the Flat without, ultimately, living up to expectations. If connections have found the key to him then he must hold chances although, being by Sadler's Wells out of a mare that was fourth in the 1,000 Guineas makes you wonder what his best trip will prove to be. That said, his mother was by Shirley Heights, often a good influence for stamina. Turning to the others, French Flat winner Amandari has yet to show anything over hurdles in this country, and Young Claude came back to form with a decent effort at Wetherby last time under similar conditions to today, so he's entitled to his supporters. Station Island can be a bit hit-and-miss but has a clear chance on the best of his form in what has, admittedly, been a light career so far. Winning pointer General Custer's Hereford third last time also entitles him to place claims, while Forever Eyesofblue is now stepped up in trip after two runs, which might bring about some improvement. Overall, though, the safest option looks to be Bacyan, who gets our vote.
