in touch, headway 4th, ridden and every chance 2 out, weakened approaching last
led, ridden 3 out, weakened and headed approaching next
held up rear, ridden and headway 3 out to chase leaders, soon one pace
always behind, tailed off approaching 5th, pulled up before 2 out
tracked leaders, ridden after 3 out, weakened approaching 2 out
mid-division when mistake and unseated rider 3rd
held up mid-division, headway approaching 6th, ridden to chase leaders 2 out, ran on strongly flat
held up in touch, ridden to chase leaders 3 out, every chance 2 out, weakened
mid-division, dropped rear 4th, tailed off approaching next
keen hold, soon tracking leader, ridden and weakened 2 out
held up towards rear, brief effort 3 out, soon beaten
mid-division, ridden and weakened 3 out
tracked leaders, slight mistake 3 out, led approaching next, soon ridden and ridden out near finish
towards rear, ridden and some headway 6th, weakened 3 out
Nonrunner
Musical Stage could be good enough to give weight to these rivals, but as there is a slight doubt we will side with Shamdian, who can get the better of Dominican Monk. Nicky Henderson's charge is a decent performer on the level, as he showed when recently third in a competitive Newbury handicap. He has had mixed fortunes on his two hurdles efforts, his close third to Dickens at Sandown is solid enough but he did disappoint at Kempton next time. He may be a bit of a character but is given another chance today. Musical Stage was out-classed behind Chivalry at Ayr last time, but his previous Huntingdon success puts him in with a chance here. Of the others Dominican Monk was successful in a Ludlow bumper back in December and should put up a bold display on his hurdles debut, and top chaser Venn Ottery wouldn't be a surprise winner. But, in what is a fascinating race Shamdian gets a narrow vote.
