led, hung left on bend approaching 3 out, soon headed, ridden 2 out, weakened last
chased leaders, ridden 2 out, kept on under pressure flat
mid-division, outpaced 4 out, never had a chance
mid-division, outpaced 4 out, weakened 2 out
held up, always behind
chased leaders, driven 4 out, outpaced approaching next, soon ridden, hit last, ran on under pressure flat
raced keenly and soon in touch, joined leader 5th, led approaching 3 out, driven and hit last, ridden out
raced keenly, held up and always behind
mid-division, mistake and dropped rear 4th, pulled up before next
chased leaders, lost place 3rd, no danger after
always behind, tailed off from 3 out
hit 1st, tracked leader, every chance when hit 3 out, soon ridden, kept on under pressure flat
mid-division, outpaced 4 out, no impression
chased leaders, ridden 2 out, no impression flat
An interesting race to open the card at Musselburgh and a number are worth keeping an eye on for future reference, notably: Beau Artiste, who makes his hurdles debut today, Kingkohler, whose Hexham form is working out well, and Dalblair, who has always looked to be in need of a trip. However, marginal preference is for the New Zealand-bred All Rock Hard, who has taken a little time to acclimatize to Britain. The Richard Guest-trained selection put in his best effort to date over slightly further at Market Rasen last time out and shaped as if he was a winner waiting to happen when he took up the running approaching three flights from the finish. A lack of experience and race-fitness took its toll in the closing stages and his connections will have been left exasperated as he was touched off on the line. The drop in trip looks to be a shrewd move for the time being and All Rock Hard can make the most of a good opportunity to put things right today.
