held up in touch, hampered and lost bend after 4th, ridden and stayed on from 2 out, not pace of first two
mid-division until ridden and weakened after 4th
led to 3 out, weakened quickly, tailed off
held up, headway when mistake 3 out, soon weakened
held up, no impression from 3 out
prominent, every chance when mistake 3 out, soon weakened
held up, kept on from 2 out, never dangerous
took keen hold early, prominent, went 2nd 3rd, every chance 2 out, soon ridden, weakened flat
prominent, every chance 3 out, soon ridden and outpaced
always in touch, joined leader 2 out, led going well approaching last, quickened clear flat, easily
mistakes in rear, never nearer
headway after 4th, every chance when hit 3 out, stayed on
chased leader to 3rd, weakened quickly, tailed off
prominent, led to 3 out, jdn next, headed approaching last, no chance with winner
headway after 4th, close 6th and ridden when unseated rider 3 out
All eyes here will be on Saintsaire, already well to the fore in the ante-post betting for the JCB Triumph Hurdle. Nicky Henderson's French import was a winner on the Flat four times in his homeland, including a decent mile and a quarter handicap at Saint-Cloud. His schooling over hurdles has been impressive by all accounts and it will be no surprise if he proves to be top-class. Martin Pipe is also a past master at excelling with French imports and his Vanormix, although not quite at the same level as Saintsaire across the Channel, is sure to have been well-readied. Talking of France, we must of course mention one who is still trained over there, Francois Doumen's Count Can Do who has already won a minor contest over hurdles at Enghien. In a field of many unknown quantities, the ex-German Royal Hector should at least make his presence felt, having finished second to Mark It at Fakenham on his British debut. All in all, it promises to be an informative contest, with the TEAMtalk vote going to Saintsaire to pop in before going on to better things.
