led and jumped left 1st, headed after 2nd, remained prominent, hampered 3rd, ridden and weakened approaching 3 out
always behind, tailed off when pulled up before 5th
held up in touch, headway 5th, ridden and one pace from 2 out
always prominent, hit 2nd, headway to join leader 5th, led after 3 out, soon headed, led again 2 out, ridden and hit last, soon headed, kept on near finish
in touch, slightly hampered 3rd, ridden and weakened after 5th
mid-division, weakened 5th, tailed off when pulled up before 2 out
chased leaders until approaching 3 out
always towards rear, tailed off when pulled up before 2 out
chased leader, left in lead after 3rd, ridden and headed after 3 out, weakened 2 out
mid-division, some headway after 5th, soon weakened, tailed off
held up in rear, ridden 5th, never on terms
always behind, tailed off when pulled up before 3 out
behind, mistake 2nd, some headway after 3 out, never dangerous
reminders after 3rd, always behind, tailed off when pulled up before 3 out
chased leaders and keen, led after 2nd, mistake and unseated rider 3rd
not fluent 1st, held up, headway approaching 5th, mistake 3 out, ridden to lead when not fluent and headed 2 out, rallied to lead again soon after last, all out
Another case where National Hunt-breds are out-numbered by potentially speedier recruits form the Flat and, in truth, the minority look up against it here. And Fool On The Hill is given a slender vote of confidence to get the better of Guarded Secret, who has taken well to this game but has a penalty to defy today, and Taffrail, the former John Dunlop inmate, who was considered good enough for Group races at one point before losing his way on the level. Datito and Major Euro are others to consider for place money as they are certainly bred for this game and are still open to plenty of improvement. However, assuming that the ground does not come up like a bog, they are vulnerable to something that can quicken and Fool On The Hill may have too much toe for his rivals today. Phillip Hobbs has a knack of getting the best out of horses of his type and the gelding gave some very encouraging signs when making his debut for the trainer in a warm handicap at Newbury just after Christmas. Therefore, Fool On The Hill is the most interesting one for us and he can go on to better things from here
