held up in touch, mistakes, ridden 3 out, soon weakened
led until after 3rd, tracked leaders, driven to challenge approaching 3 out, stayed on, no chance with winner
prominent, led approaching 4th, clear approaching 3 out easily
prominent, ridden 4 out, soon weakened
held up in touch, detached 9th, soon tailed off
Stablemates Mr Hickman and Vals Well are both point-to-point winners but their rules form leaves something to be desired and this is probably left to Tirley Storm and Motcomb Jam, with the latter getting the vote. The selection has the highest handicap rating of the quintet having finished in the prize-money in both starts over fences, latterly when second to Genuine Article at Ascot. This represents a drop in class for Charlie Mann's gelding who won a novices' hurdle at Doncaster in January. Tirley Storm is rated 29lbs inferior to the selection on BHB ratings and has a double penalty to carry having twice won novice handicaps over course and distance this term. While he clearly goes well here, Tirley Storm faces a stiff task in giving 12lbs to Motcomb Jam. Balla d'Aire was moderate over hurdles and appears no better over fences so, granted a clear round, Motcomb Jam should be too good for his rivals.
