led to 2nd, tracked leader, led again 3 out, clear next, easily
tracked leader, reminders approaching 5th, not fluent 6th, ridden after next, soon weakened, tailed off when pulled up before 2 out
always behind
always behind, tailed off when pulled up before 2 out
in touch, took poor 2nd approaching 2 out, no chance with winner
mid-division, last place 7th, soon tailed off
held up, ridden after 7th, took poor third 2 out
prominent, led 2nd to 3 out, weakened quickly
held up, jumped right 2nd, ridden after 5th, weakened after next, tailed off when pulled up before 2 out
A wide open handicap hurdle here with very little between the whole field but the principals look to be Timidjar, Irish Blessing, Alvaro and Squandamania and we will take a chance on the last named. The selection was a fair fifth behind Mr Christie last time out giving the impression he would improve for the run. This softer surface is ideal and off what looks a fair mark he is taken to score. Timidjar has been in good form of late and has definite place claims on that form but his best efforts have been on fast ground so this much softer surface has to be a worry. Irish Blessing was a fair third behind Miss Rideamight last time and is another with place claims but he is far from consistent and is passed over on this occasion. Alvaro is from a shrewd yard and is worth noting in the market but he looks weighted up to his best. Of the remainder Little Villain is still searching for his first win after 14 attempts so can not be put forward with any confidence and for the winner we return to Squandamania.
