tracked leaders in 3rd, led after 4 out, clear approaching next, easily
led, mistakes, headed after 4 out, chased clear winner until last, no impression
held up towards rear, weakened from 4 out, not fluent and tailed off from 3 out
held up mid-division, ridden before 3 out, never dangerous, weakened run-in
with leader until outpaced approaching 8th, plugged on from 3 out, chased clear winner from last, no impression
held up in rear, hit 6th, niggled along approaching 7th, soon outpaced, plugged on from 3 out, no impression
held up towards rear, headway on inner after 4 out, soon chased leaders, weakening when blundered 3 out
BLENHEIM BROOK has continued on an upward curve since scoring at Hexham in the autumn. Soft ground isn't a problem and he wasn't beaten far over 2m5f in October so there seems no reason to oppose Lucinda Russell's charge here. Khorun has his first start since finishing second over 2m at Ffos Las in August but, being a winning pointer, should appreciate the extra half mile here and is preferred to Classical Mist of the remainder. David O'Meara's mare was placed in a couple of bumpers last season but this is her hurdles bow and her first appearance for almost a year.
Blenheim Brook (IRE) 7-2fav (11-12) Tracked leader, not fluent 2nd, led after 2 out, hung left and headed flat, no extra, 2nd of 9, 1 3/4l behind Pegasus Prince (11-2) at Uttoxeter 2m nov hcp hdl 0-125 (3) hvy in Jan.
Khorun (GER) 6-4 (11-5) Tracked leaders, mistake 4out, soon under pressure, headway to chase winner 2out, never able to challenge, 2nd of 6, 4 1/2l behind Lucaindubai (11-4) at Ffos Las 2m nh nov hdl (4) gd in Aug.
Darkan Road 66-1 (11-5) Mid-division, weakened before 7th, 15th of 17, well behind Ballabriggs (11-12) at Ayr 2m 4f nov hdl (4) gd in Jan.
Northern Cross (IRE) 33-1 (11-4) In touch, weakening when blundered 2 out, 10th of 18, 37l behind A Bridge Too Far (11-4) at Wetherby 2m nh nov hdl (4) gs in Jan.
Smithy The Horse (IRE) 33-1 (11-0) Towards rear, mistake 1st, reminders 3rd, hit 5th, reminders and weakened after 5th, tailed off, 9th of 12, 48l behind Mr Jay Dee (11-0) at Kelso 2m mdn hdl (4) gf in Oct.
Blazing Bay (IRE) 20-1 (10-4) Held up towards rear, pushed along over 3f out, soon weakened, 5th of 11, 26l behind Anychancedave (10-0) at Ayr 2m cond NH flat (6) gd in Jan.
Classical Mist 11-4fav (10-9) Tracked leader, disputed lead over 2f out, one pace final furlong, 2nd of 8, 6l behind Baba O'curragh (9-10) at Catterick 2m N H flat (6) gd in Mar.
