held up, keen, headway 3 out, weakened 2 out
tracked leader, not fluent 2nd, mistake 7th, soon behind
led, hard ridden when pressed flat, headed line
tracked leaders, hung left on bend after 6th, not fluent next, weakened 3 out
Hitaaf gets the vote in this maiden hurdle with Dasher Reilly and Blaze Trailer rating the main dangers. The selection was a fair sort on the flat in his native France, is sure to have been well schooled for this his hurdling debut and with the booking of Tony McCoy also a positive he looks the one to be on. Dasher Reilly rates the main danger on his latest fourth behind Pepporoni Pete. He could improve for the fitting of first time cheekpieces and he should be watched in the market. Blaze Trailer is game and consistent and is sure to run his race but he has had plenty of chances. Buckingham Boys and Our Jim look outclassed and for the winner we return to Hitaaf who is taken to win this before going on to better things.
Blaze Trailer (IRE) 11-2 (11-0) Mid-division, closer in 5th after 4 out, no impression under pressure and kept on same pace from 2 out, 4th of 15, 7l behind Smalltowntalk (9-11) at Ballinrobe 2m 4f hcp hdl 0-102 gs in Aug.
Buckingham Boys 50-1 (11-2) Led, headed after 4 out, weakened from next, 5th of 12, 45l behind Hilly Gale (11-2) at Wetherby 3m 1f nh mdn hdl (4) gd in Apr.
Dasher Reilly (USA) 7-1 (11-1) Led to 7th, chased leading pair until outpaced before 3 out, 4th of 6, 15l behind Pepporoni Pete (11-1) at Sandown 2m beg chs (3) gd.
Hitaaf (IRE) (8-10) Rear until some late headway, 7th of 18, 5l behind Sunrise Spirit (8-6) at Saint-Cloud 1m 4f hcp gs in Jun (Flat).
Our Jim 33-1 (10-12) Towards rear, mistake 2nd, never on terms, 7th of 15, 26l behind Quicuyo (10-12) at Carlisle 2m 1f nov hdl (4) gd in Oct.
