chased leaders until 7th, weakened quickly, pulled up before 4 out
in touch until 4th, soon tailed off, left poor third last
made all, ridden along from 7th, edged left under pressure after 2 out, went right last and left clear
in touch, headway 8th, outpaced approaching 4 out, left second last
held up in touch, mistake 4th, headway 6th, pressed winner approaching 4 out, ridden and switched right after 2 out, four lengths second, and held when fell last
An interesting race if only to take notes on for future reference as a couple of these have failed to live up to their early sparkle in this sphere and make limited appeal from a punting perspective until they have redeemed themselves a little - most notably Sud Bleu, who has failed to deliver the good on numerous occasions since his British debut over course and distance in October 2002. However, he has become too expensive to follow since then and is taken on with First Ballot, who will love the ground and is open to far more improvement than most of his rivals in spite of his advancing years. Lucifer Bleu also has to be respected as he will not be found wanting for assistance from the saddle with the champion jockey doing the steering. However, he in turn has not really shone since his arrival on these shores and may find at least one too good on ground that may be a little more lively than he will care for. Therefore, it could pay to stick with First Ballot as he possesses a useful turn of foot and has already shown that he is not phased by tacking new problems when he is presented with a challenge. The son of Pergino fared well on his previous handful of outings over hurdles and, as he has a superior ability to quicken away when asked, he looks the one to be on as he makes his belated debut over fences today.
