held up, headway 4th and in touch, ridden and effort approaching 2 out, weakened approaching last
held up towards rear, headway 5th and in touch, effort after 3 out, weakened next
in touch, pushed along and lost place after 4th, soon lost touch
mid-division, headway 4th and in touch, mistake next, outpaced after 3 out, kept on one pace approaching last
mid-division, weakened halfway
held up towards rear, headway 4th, led 2 out, headed after last, no extra
held up in rear, headway 3 out, brief effort 2 out, no impression
tracked leaders, weakened approaching 3 out
always behind
in touch, pushed along 3 out, ridden and effort 2 out, mistake last, soon led, stayed on
led, ridden and headed 2 out, one pace under pressure
in touch, mistake 3rd, ridden 3 out, weakened next
always behind, tailed off when pulled up before 2 out
towards rear, blundered 5th, never dangerous
tracked leaders, effort 2 out, no extra approaching last
Not the strongest of novice hurdles and it may fall to Barton Hill, with Katmandu and Flight Command expected to fight for the place money. Tim Easterby's seven-year-old possibly found the three miles on heavy ground at Uttoxeter last time just beyond him and he is better judged on his previous effort at Market Rasen when beating All Rock Hard over a similar trip to today's. Katmandu made a pleasing hurdles debut at Hexham just over a fortnight ago, finishing third to Encore Cadoudal, that was over two miles and this useful stayer on the flat will be much better suited by this longer trip. Flight Command should also appreciate the extra couple of furlongs after staying on at one pace when third behind Steppes Of Gold on his hurdling debut at Kelso. Of the newcomers Black Smoke could be worth a look in the market but in a race that won't take too much winning Barton Hill is the choice.
