chased leaders to 6th, lost place next, driven 3 out, soon weakened
chased leaders, ridden to challenge 2 out, kept on one pace from last
tracked leaders, smooth headway 4 out, led on bit after 2 out, drew clear from last, unextended
always behind, tailed off from 3 out
chased leader, challenged 3 out, ridden and out-paced next, stayed on well under pressure from last, went 2nd towards finish
held up, pushed along 4 out, ridden and kept on one-pace from 2 out, no impression
soon behind, mistake 5th, tailed off and pulled up before 3 out
led, ridden and headed after 2 out, weakened flat
held up, headway 4 out, ridden to chase leaders next, weakened after 2 out
A difficult race to assess with some unexposed types who could be potentially useful. Doctor John falls into this category having shown ability in a decent race at this track on his only racecourse appearance. That race was run in a fast time and if improving for that run he should go close. Oneway has shown on a couple of occasions he has ability and looks on the upgrade. He needs to improve on what he has shown to figure here but having shown form on this track he could go well. Balladeer looks to have the best form in the book, having run well twice in his last two novice hurdle appearances and shown form on this surface. The step up in trip should help and he is a confident selection. Another to consider is Almnadia who has winning form in the book and should be suited by this track though he could be vulnerable against some of the less exposed types.
