tracked winner, under pressure approaching 15th, soon lost place, slight mistake 17th, no chance with winner
in touch, hampered approaching 2nd, fell
tracking winner when jinked left approaching 2nd, fell
made all, always going well, driven clear from 15th, easily
A tight betting heat with TEAMtalk preference going to Shamsan. The Philip Hobbs-trained gelding was a useful hurdler and, despite being a little novicey at times, has shaped well over fences scoring at Plumpton in September. Some mistakes proved costly when turned over at odds-on next time but hopefully he will have gained from the experience and gets in on a handy mark for his handicap bow over the larger obstacles. Something Dandy has been beaten off his current mark at a lower level and may struggle while Imago II flopped on his return and can't be backed with confidence. Cream Gorse, who was in the process of running well when a faller two out at Hereford last month, may prove the main danger as long as the experience has not left its mark.
