tracked leaders, led on bit approaching 3 out, canter
midfield, pushed along 4 out, soon weakened, behind when pulled up flat, finished lame
tracked leader, ridden 3 out, no chance with winner
in touch, pushed along 4 out, ridden and effort next, soon one pace
whipped round start and soon well behind, in touch after 3rd, never dangerous
held up towards rear, pushed along after 4 out, kept on same pace from 2 out
held up towards rear, headway 4 out, soon ridden, no headway from next
midfield, pushed along and weakened after halfway
raced keenly in touch, weakened halfway
led, headed after 4 out, weakening when mistake next
in touch, pushed along and outpaced after 4 out, no impression
Lightly raced on the flat, Far Pavillions has made an impressive start to his hurdling career and should be good enough to make it three out of three here. A smooth debut success at Catterick was followed by an equally easy victory over course and distance in December and, although having to give weight away all round, the son of Halling should be up to the task. Calitas, a winner over hurdles in France, is probably best watched on his British jumps debut and a bigger danger to the selection from those with experience of hurdling is probably Red Flyer. Pat Haslam's gelding made a inning debut in a claimer at Newcastle but was beaten under his penalty at Fakenham subsequently and may find the burden too much again. Thunder Canyon, three times a winner over middle distances on the level with Mark Johnston, makes most appeal of the newcomers. Nicky Richards has his team in reasonable form at present and it would be no surprise to see him go well but the selection has taken well to the winter game and will be tough to beat. The others make limited appeal.
