tracked leaders, left 2nd 4 out, switched left to challenge leader 2 out, ridden to lead last, ran on gamely
in touch and keen hold, jumped right throughout, hampered 7th, blundered badly 3 out, weakened after 2 out
never going, lost touch 6th, pulled up before 2 out
in touch, ridden and outpaced 6th, stayed on moderately to take poor 3rd
in touch, ridden from 7th, beaten when mistake 2 out
in rear, pulled up before 3 and dismounted (lame)
always in the rear
tracking leader when fell 7th
tracked leaders and keen, ridden and weakening approaching 7th, mistake 3 out, behind when pulled up before 2 out
led, challenged 2 out, ridden and headed approaching last, no extra towards finish
A couple of very promising sorts line up for this novice hurdle and TATANIANO is selected to land it with the penalised Shalone appearing the obvious threat while Strategic Approach, who has age on his side being a six year old showed plenty of promise in bumpers and is an above average recruit to hurdling. Tataniano, the winner of an Irish point-to-point, making all in the process, won his bumper in similar style galloping on resolutely at Chepstow and winning in impressive style. While the second was admittedly very green in the closing stages, the further Tataniano went the better he looked and although he lacks hurdling experience unlike his apparent main rival, he is likely to be well schooled while his experience between the flags should stand to him. Shalone looked a lucky winner last time at Exeter when The Nightingale tipped up after the last hurdle. The gives the Nicholls are strong line of form to Shalone who showed a solid level of form in bumpers, defying a penalty to win on his third start while just going down by a short head to the highly regarded Diamond Harry on his second start when in front. Strategic Approach hails from a stout jumping family and he appeared as if he was crying out for extended trips in his bumpers. He is highly thought of at home but he might just be vulnerable to racefit rivals today. Finian's Rainbow was acquired from Adrian Maguire's point-to-point academy by his current owners. He was set to score on his sole point-to-point start when tipping up at the last. It would be a surprise if any of the remainder were to get involved judged on what they have achieved up to now and Tataniano is selected to get his hurdling career off to a winning start.
Shalone 6-4fav (10-12) Tracked leaders, ridden to chase leader approaching 3 out, 2 lengths and looked held when left clear soon after last, won at Exeter 2m 1f nov hdl (4) gs in Oct beating Hector's Choice (11-5) by 14l, 13 ran.
Bob 'n' You (IRE) 5-1 (11-0) Blundered 1st, behind and pulled up at the 5th in race won by Star Lord (11-0) at Southwell 2m 4f mdn hdl (4) gd in Oct, 11 ran.
Deep Woods 7-1 (11-2) Always behind, 12th of 15, 25l behind Lake Legend (10-5) at Kempton 2m mdn nhf (4) gs in Mar.
Lord Brunello (IRE) 20-1 (10-12) In touch, reminder after 5th, not fluent and reminder 7th, headway 9th, mistake last, stayed on under pressure to take 2nd flat, 2nd of 7, 2 1/2l behind Thumbprint (10-9) at Uttoxeter 3m nov hdl (4) gf in Jun.
One And All (IRE) 8-1 (11-7) Bhnd; eff 12; sn wknd; pulled up in race won by Niver Bai (12-0) at Larkhill 3m ptp gd in Feb, 13 ran.
Peyekashe (FR) 66-1 (11-4) In touch, mistake and weakened 5th, soon well behind, 13th of 16, well behind Numide (11-11) at Folkestone 2m 1f nov hdl (4) sft in Jan.
Rapid Return (IRE) 11-2 (11-7) Chased leaders, 4th halfway, ridden in 4th and no extra before 3 out, kept on to moderate 3rd approaching 2 out, no impression leaders, 3rd of 13, 23l behind Ground Ivy (11-7) at Downpatrick 2m 7f mdn hts chs gd in May.
Rocky Ryan (IRE) 100-1 (10-12) Always behind, 11th of 12, well behind Shore Thing (11-8) at Towcester 2m mdn hdl (3) gd in Oct.
Strategic Approach (IRE) 3-1jt-fav (11-3) Always prominent, led 1f out, stayed on well, won at Newbury 2m nhf (5) gs in Mar beating Moleskin (11-0) by 2l, 11 ran.
Sykalino (FR) 66-1 (11-0) Always behind, 10th of 12, well behind Wendel (11-0) at Plumpton 2m mdn hdl (4) gs.
Tataniano (FR) Evensfav (11-0) Made all, ridden and challenged over 2f out, kept on, won at Chepstow 2m nhf (6) gd in Oct beating Song Sung Blue (11-0) by 4l, 15 ran.
Finian's Rainbow (IRE) 5-2fav (12-0) In command when fell at the last in race won by Hampshire Express (12-0) at Inch 3m Ir pt-to-pt hvy in March, 17 ran.
