held up in touch, hard ridden 2 out, weakened before last
chased leader, led approaching 2 out, headed before last, weakened run-in
held up mid-division, headway 2 out, effort approaching last, soon led, driven out
in touch, headway but not fluent 3 out, hard ridden and one pace before last
held up mid-division, headway and stayed on after 2 out, one pace and beaten when mistake last
always behind, tailed off from 3 out
held up mid-division, effort 2 out, soon ridden and beaten when not fluent last
always behind, hampered 3rd, no chance when hampered again 2 out
held up in touch, effort going well before 2 out, soon ridden and beaten
in touch until weakened after 3 out
always behind, pulled up before 3 out, dismounted (lame)
held up and behind, headway under pressure when not fluent 2 out, stayed on well run-in, nearest finish
held up in touch, headway going easily before 2 out, led approaching and mistake last, soon headed, stayed pressing winner until lost 2nd near finish
in touch, ridden and not fluent 3 out, kept on same pace before last
behind, slightly hampered 3rd, headway under pressure before last, kept on run-in
soon with leaders, weakened quickly when fell 2 out
always behind
held up towards rear when brought down 2 out
led and set strong pace, ridden 3 out, headed approaching next, weakened rapidly
soon in touch, weakened after 3 out
soon with leaders, hit 3rd and next, lost place quickly, tailed off when pulled up 3 out
in touch, mistake 3rd, ridden 2 out, not quicken run-in
prominent, hit 4th, challenged 3 out, weakened next
held up, mistake 4th, good headway after 2 out, still plenty to do when hung left before last, stayed on well run-in
always behind, brought down 2 out
held up in touch, ridden behind from 2 out
prominent, ridden and weakened 3 out, eased when no chance soon after, pulled up before last
This is another ultra-competitive renewal of the Vincent O'Brien County Hurdle and it is no easy task in framing a shortlist against the field. Xenophon obviously has to be considered if he is turned out after breezing up in the Coral Cup yesterday. But betting plans should be delayed until he is confirmed to run by his trainer. Newbury's Tote Gold Trophy 1-2, Spirit Leader and Non So, also have to be high on the list and should be included in any plans for a punt -although the former does have a little to prove off a 9lb higher mark though and is no certainty to uphold the form. Comex Flyer is one who comes into the race with the profile of one who will relish a battle and may represent good value for each-way backers. However, Native New Yorker is selected as the best of those a big prices after his gutsy victory over course and distance last time out. He had some useful types in behind him on that occasion and a repeat of the form will be enough to see him home.
