chased leaders, hit 3 out, weakened next
held up in rear, headway into mid-division, mistake 2 out, never dangerous after
held up towards rear, effort under pressure approaching 2 out, soon beaten
in touch, headway to chase leaders after 3 out, chased winner 2 out, one pace last, no impression run-in
held up in rear, still plenty to do when hit 3 out, headway under pressure approaching 2 out, stayed on approaching last, kept on well run-in
led to 4th, chased clear leader until weakened before 2 out
tracked leaders, went 2nd and hit 3 out, led soon after, driven and stayed on well run-in
behind, steady headway from 9th, ridden to chase leading pair approaching 2 out, weakened run-in
held up in rear division, pushed along after 3 out, one pace and never troubled leaders
held up in mid-division, ridden and weakened 4 out, soon tailed off
tracked leader, led 4th, soon clear, headed soon after 3 out, weakened and mistake 2 out
always behind, tailed off 3 out
chased leaders to 8th, weakened after 3 out
mistakes in rear, pushed along and kept on from 2 out, but never a danger
This is a cracking handicap hurdle with prolific winners Rambling Minster, Famous Grouse and Basilea Star all in attendance, the last named just gets the verdict. Ferdy Murphy's gelding is chasing a five timer this afternoon and although shooting up the weights looks up to the task. He beat subsequent hat-trick scorer Celtic Son at Uttoxeter last time with the third some 17 lengths back. That appears to be very solid form and he can add yet another 'one' after his name. Rambling Minster completed his hat-trick with a smooth success over Just Beth at Newcastle last time and it is difficult to see this one out of the frame. Meanwhile Famous Grouse is going for three in a row following hard fought victories here and at Aintree. Mioche D'Estruval and Kiwi Babe were also successful last time and should also be prominent, but on this occasion we shall stick with Basilea Star who gets a narrow vote.
