tracked leader, pushed along and outpaced from 3 out, ridden after last, kept on from last, just held close home
led to 6th, ridden to regain lead approaching last, kept on flat, just held on
in rear, headway after 3 out, kept on flat
held up mid-division, chased leaders 2 out, ridden approaching last, kept on same pace
tracked leaders and keen on outer, hit 4th, led 6th, ridden and headed approaching last, weakened last 100 yards
in rear, hit 1st, ridden after last, never dangerous
held up towards rear, headway approaching 7th, chased leaders in 3rd when hit 3 out, stumbled slightly 2 out, every chance last, one pace
tracked leaders, pushed along after 7th, soon lost place, tailed off when pulled up before 2 out
A tough little novice hurdle next and the vote goes to BALNAGORE ahead of Solis and Waldvogel. The selection made a pleasing debut over hurdles behind a classy type and realistically had no chance of winning that event on debut. However, he did run well and there should be more to come. He was a decent type on the flat having a rating of 79 and with his hurdles experience under his belt he is sure to go close. Solis won his latest start quite well in the end but now has a penalty to carry which will make life much tougher. He has plenty of experience though which could see him into a place but he is vulnerable to potential improvers. A strong market check is advised on Waldvogel who was a very classy horse on the flat having a mark of 103 at the peak of his powers. Nicky Richards has plenty of winners here so he must be monitored in the market. Former bumper winner Sherriff Hall is another to note but Balnagore gets the vote.
Solis (GER) 10-3 (11-7) Tracked leaders, challenged 3 out, led next, held on well, won at Perth 2m nov hcp hdl 0-95 (5) gf beating November Papa Golf (11-7) by 1 3/4l, 8 ran.
Balnagore 12-1 (10-12) Chased leaders, ridden after 3 out, soon outpaced, 3rd of 14, 22l behind Ciceron (11-7) at Perth 2m nh nov hdl (4) gd in Apr.
Choctaw Nation 20-1 (11-12) Mid-division best, no danger from after 4 out, 24th of 28, 38l behind Mull On The Run (11-12) at Navan 2m mdn hdl gf in Sep.
Hippolytus 15-2 (11-0) Held up in rear, pecked 1st, well beaten 3 out, tailed off, 8th of 10, well behind Caulkin (11-0) at Perth 2m 4f mdn hdl (4) gd in Apr.
Sheriff Hall (IRE) 14-1 (10-12) Held up behind, bumped 2nd, hedway into mid-division on outside next, tracked leaders after 2 out, ridden and outpaced on long run to last, soon weakened, 9th of 12, 29l behind Montoya's Son (10-9) at Hexham 2m nov hdl (4) gs.
Sunset Resort (IRE) 40-1 (10-12) Behind, mistake 2nd, lost touch next, stayed on to go remote 4th after last, 4th of 10, 27l behind Dunaskin (11-1) at Hexham 2m sell hdl (5) gs.
Waldvogel (IRE) 11-4fav (9-8) Held up mid-division, switched left and headway over 1f out, soon one pace, 2nd of 7, 2l behind Mister New York (8-10) at Lingfield 1m 4f hcp 0-100 (2) pol in Jan (flat).
Acclaim To Fame (IRE) 100-1 (10-1) Held up in rear, no chance when mistake and unseated rider 3 out, in a race won by Kilbrannish Hill (11-0) at Perth 2m 4f mdn hdl (4) gd in Apr, 10 ran.
Hollows Gift (IRE) 200-1 (11-0) Held up towards rear, hampered 1st, weakened approaching 4 out, 11th of 16, well behind Saveiro (11-0) at Kelso 2m mdn hdl (4) gd in Apr.
And The Man Generous gelding out of Retro's Lady.
