pulled hard towards rear, headway 4 out, effort 2 out, stayed on to chase winner run in, kept on towards finish
made all, stayed on strongly run in
behind, lost touch 4 out, tailed off when pulled up before last
tracked winner, effort 2 out, faded run in
tracked leaders, ridden approaching 3 out, weakened approaching 2 out
in touch, blundered and lost place 7th, hit next, weakened, tailed off when pulled up before last
towards rear, outpaced 4 out, stayed on from 2 out, nearest finish
tracked leaders, effort 3 out, 5th and outpaced when fell next
towards rear, headway 4 out, mistake and outpaced next, stayed on run in
A winner of a novices' handicap chase, Apadi should be too good for his rivals here and is preferred to Dante's Brook and Magic Box in a moderate opener. The selection fulfilled earlier promise when successful at Cartmel in August and, although disappointing back over hurdles at Market Rasen recently, has plenty in hand on official BHB ratings and is hard to oppose. Magic Box showed improved form over course and distance behind Spectrometer last month but may have been flattered by that and a bigger threat may come from Dante's Brook. A winner of a handicap over course and distance earlier this month off a mark of 70, this looks tougher for the 10-year-old but, given his winning form, he has to be respected. Gilfoot Breeze showed a consistent level of form last term and has claims if fit enough for his return, while Hopeful Chance is worthy of consideration on the pick of his hurdles form but has so far failed to deliver over the larger obstacles. Very few of these are likely to take a hand and the vote goes to Apadi, who is taken to win his second race over fences.
