led at good pace, reminder after 4th, pushed along after 4 out, joined and hit 2 out, ridden and headed last, 3rd and one pace flat
held up last, closer order on outside approaching 5th, pushed along after 4 out, ridden and no response after 2 out, beaten and eased flat, tailed off
chased leader, ridden after 2 out, led last, headed and not pace of winner flat
tracked leading pair, effort approaching last, quickened to lead flat, soon clear, ridden out
The season's two most improved hurdlers meet in a fascinating clash. SEYMOUR ERIC began his winning run in December and is now an incredible 50lb higher in the weights. His latest success over a longer trip on this track was gained in a similar grade handicap and he's just given the nod over Thunderstorm. Philip Hobbs' charge has shot up 38lb since his victory at Plumpton in December and has won most of his races with a bit in hand. He takes on slightly better class opposition here and his winning run may come to an end. Rock Relief produced a real shock at Ayr last time and a 6lb rise might just rule him out of this but Crowning Jewel is no forlorn hope after a very good run at Market Rasen last week.
Seymour Eric 7-2 (9-11) Close up, led from 6th, clear before last, kept on well, won at Haydock 3m hcp hdl (2) hvy in Feb beating Knock A Hand (11-0) by 4 1/2l, 9 ran.
Thunderstorm (IRE) 4-5fav (11-3) Took keen hold, held up tracking leading trio, smooth headway to lead 2 out, narrowly headed last, just shaken up to lead again flat, always just doing enough, cleverly, won at Taunton 2m 3f hcp hdl 0-140 (3) sft in Feb beating Teshali (10-3) by 1/2l, 5 ran.
Rock Relief (IRE) 22-1 (10-7) Tracked leaders, mistake 3rd, led approaching 3 out, soon hard pressed, headed 2 out, rallied and led again after last, stayed on gamely, won at Ayr 2m 4f hcp hdl 0-140 (3) sft beating Hollo Ladies (10-7) by nk, 8 ran.
Crowning Jewel 4-1 (11-7) Held up, headway to track leaders 3rd, lost place 8th, headway after 3 out, chased winner 2 out, driven and gaining on winner towards finish, 2nd of 9, 1l behind Sixty Something (11-12) at Market Rasen 3m hcp hdl 0-130 (3) sft.
