always in rear, pulled up after 4 out, dismounted
prominent, led 2 out, soon ridden, not fluent last, headed flat, kept on
ridden and headway approaching 2 out, ran on well to lead flat
tracked leader, challenged 3 out, every chance next, soon ridden, kept on one pace flat
tracked leaders, led 6th, hit 4 out, ridden and headed next, weakened approaching 2 out
held up, mistake 3rd and 4th, ridden after 4 out, weakened approaching 2 out, eased approaching last
led, headed 6th, ridden to lead again 3 out, headed next, weakened flat
held up, pushed along after 6th, ridden after 4 out, weakened 2 out
held up, ridden after 4 out, weakened from 2 out
mid-division, headway 6th, weakening when hit 2 out
Crazy Horse, the winner of the Merewood Homes Long Distance Hurdle over just short of three miles when last seen here 623 days ago, makes a welcome return to action. The going is probably not testing enough for the son of Little Bighorn over this trip though and, having been off for so long, he is probably best watched. The Paul Nicholls-trained Comex Flyer has run creditably over hurdles following a spell chasing but appears plenty high enough in the weights, a comment that also applies to Jonjo O'Neill's consistent performer Quazar. Hugo De Perro has more to do off a 7lb higher mark than when successful in a weaker race at Kelso last time, while Alan King's Chicago Bulls has been raised by the same amount for finishing second to Giocomo at Chepstow on his most recent start. Both look to be in the handicapper's grip at present. Khan Kicker, Polish Flame and Harvis all have claims on their best form but have to carry more than their allotted long handicap mark. Jockey bookings suggest that The Phair Crier is the stable first string from Len Lungo's yard and he has to be respected although a longer trip would be preferable and we go instead for Martin Pipe's Samon. The German-bred was disappointing when favourite for the William Hill Handicap Hurdle at Sandown last month, finishing 18 lengths behind Spirit Leader, but he remains unexposed and potentially well treated. At the forecast odds, he could be worth chancing in a race where there are doubts concerning most of the runners.
