mid-division, mistake 5th, headway 2 out, ridden to chase leaders approaching last, weakened flat
chased leaders, ridden 2 out, soon no impression
always towards rear
mid-division, headway after 3 out, led between last two, ridden and drew clear flat
mid-division, lost place 5th, tailed off 2 out, pulled up before last
mistakes and soon behind, pushed along 3rd, headway 3 out, effort next, kept on flat, no chance with winner
jumped slowly first, in touch, went 2nd 5th, lost place after 3 out, soon behind
tracked leader to 5th, every chance 2 out, soon ridden, no impression from last
led, ridden and headed between last 2, one pace when mistake last, no extra flat, finished lame
held up and behind, never dangerous
In this novice hurdle the answer might lie in the hands of We'll Meet Again, with Blackthorn and Jimmy Byrne rated as his biggest dangers. Much as Saif Sareera won decisively when causing a shock at 66/1 on his hurdling debut, that was a weak affair and more will be needed under a penalty today. Overall, Blackthorn's form looks stronger and he looks set to go well. However, much as he finished six lengths in front of the selection at Market Rasen on his debut, We'll Meet Again made eyecatching late headway for a never-nearer finish and can step up now. Fiddlers Creek's overall Flat form entitles him to a chance although he has yet to shine over hurdles, so jumping debutant Jimmy Byrne, who scored from a mark of 70 on the Flat in July, certainly catches the eye and could go well. Another hurdling newcomer, King's Protector, who showed promise on the Flat, is one to watch out for in the betting but, despite his dam having won over hurdles, Thunderclap's chance here would not be an obvious one which, in turn, spins us back to the selection, which is We'll Meet Again.
