always in rear, weakened 3 out
towards rear, mistake and unseated rider 3rd
mid-division, headway 5th, ridden 3 out, stayed on moderately
tracked leaders, ridden and weakened 3 out
tracked leaders, hard ridden to chase leaders approaching 2 out, stayed on well to lead close home
tracked leader until ridden and weakened 2 out
towards rear, headway 5th, ridden and weakened 2 out
always towards rear
in rear, ridden and weakened 3 out
led, ridden 3 out, challenged 2 out, headed approaching last, rallied and every chance flat, no extra close home
towards rear, ridden 5th, some headway approaching next, weakened 2 out
mid-division, headway 4th, ridden to challenge leader 2 out, led approaching last, all out when headed flat
mid-division, ridden 4th, hit 3 out, and weakened next
in rear, ridden along when mistake and unseated rider 3 out
This is a very competitive handicap hurdle that may fall to Fundamental, with Island Sound and Rifleman expected to take a hand in the finish. Jonjo O'Neill's gelding was a progressive handicapper last season winning here and at Leicester, before finishing an excellent runner up in a top event at Aintree. He looked in need of his seasonal debut at Stratford and we should see a much improved effort today. Island Sound had a pretty quiet flat campaign but returned to hurdling with a very promising effort here over a slightly longer trip, finishing third to Candarli. He should progress from that effort and could be a major threat to all. Down at the bottom of the handicap Rifleman, following three promising efforts in novice events, looks very fairly treated and could go well at a big price. Downpour is another that could take a hand if fit for his seasonal bow, but for the winner we return to Fundamental.
