tracked leader, led before 3 out, headed approaching next, stayed on same pace approaching last
led until before 3 out, led again soon after, strongly challenged when mistake last, held on gamely
held up in touch, effort 2 out, no impression
held up in touch, outpaced before 3 out, rallied to chase leaders after next, ran on well closing stages, nearest finish
prominent, keen, lost place before 2 out
held up in touch, headway to chase leaders 3 out, every chance last, no extra closing stagegs
Much will depend upon how good the Henderson newcomer Soldier In Action proves to be. A useful sort on the Flat with Mark Johnston, he looks the sort to jump hurdles and needs taking very seriously plunged straight into Listed company on debut, especially as he receives 8lb from all bar one of his rivals. However, in a tight-looking contest, PROJECT BLUEBOOK, a dual winner on the level for John Quinn. is preferred. He's taken well to hurdling and his turn of foot can prove decisive around this sharp track on forecast good ground. There's little between Forth Bridge and Warp Factor on the book and the unbeaten Fidux can not be ignored either, although he probably does have to step up again on achievements to date.
Fidux (FR) 4-1 (11-5) Raced keenly, made all, hit 2nd and next, hit 3 out, pushed clear before 2 out, ridden and kept on strongly run-in, won at Kempton 2m (4) gs in Jan beating Poker Play (11-5) by 4 1/2l, 6 ran.
Forth Bridge 3-10fav (10-12) With leaders, left in lead 1st, ridden before last, held on near finish, won at Musselburgh 2m (2) gd in Dec beating Warp Factor (10-12) by nk, 8 ran.
Nachi Falls 6-1 (10-13) Tracked leaders, looking one pace when pulled up quickly before 2 out, at Leicester 2m hcp (3) gs in Dec.
Project Bluebook (FR) 11-4fav (10-7) Held up mid-division, headway before 2 out, challenged on bit last, shaken up to soon lead, ran on strongly, won at Musselburgh 2m hcp (3) gd in Jan beating Mister Kit (11-7) by 2 1/2l, 10 ran.
Soldier In Action (FR) 15-2 (8-13) Soon led, ridden and headed 3f out, weakened over 1f out, 11th of 15, 8 3/4l behind Prize Money (9-1) at Doncaster 1m 4f hcp (2) gf in Nov.
Warp Factor (IRE) 10-3 (11-7) Soon tracked leader, closed up 3 out, on terms approaching straight, soon led, headed between last 2, no extra and one pace from before last, 5th of 16, 9 1/2l behind Ex Patriot (11-7) at Fairyhouse 2m mdn sft in Jan.
