held up in rear, smooth headway 4 out, chased leaders next, switched left and effort 2 out, soon weakened
held up, headway 9th, effort 3 out, kept on same pace from next
dropped rear 8th, soon behind
tracked leaders, ridden approaching 4 out, soon weakened
mistake 4th, headway halfway, ridden and weakened approaching 4 out
pushed along and lost place approaching 8th, brief effort after 4 out, weakened from next
tracked leaders, pushed along after 4 out, ridden next, soon weakened
held up towards rear, headway after 4 out, ridden and weakened approaching 2 out
in touch, headway 9th, challenged 3 out, led next, ridden clear approaching last
tracked leaders, led 7th, headed 2 out, one pace under pressure
led, headed 7th, weakened quickly from 9th, soon tailed off
raced wide, ridden and behind from halfway
It is interesting that Indien Du Boulay is sent back over hurdles after winning over fences last time out. He is on a few pounds lower mark over the smaller obstacles and has the right credentials to land this interesting looking handicap hurdle. Curtins Hill is an improving sort who faces a step up in trip here and an 8lb rise in the weights. Provided he is suited by this trip he holds every chance of showing more improvement. Charlie Swan's Nearly A Gimme must come into the reckoning though he was unimpressive last time out when sent off a warm favourite. Previously he had shown a good deal of ability but the suspicion is he needs the ground to soften a little bit more. Family Venture has shown ability in some decent non-handicaps and looks on a reasonable mark. Highly regarded by his trainer this trip looks sure to suit and market support would be a positive.
