always in rear, tailed off when pulled up before 2 out
in touch, close up when mistake 6 and weakened before next
always rear, tailed off when pulled up before 4 out
not fluent, driven along and not going well from 4th, always behind
hit third, always behind, tailed off and pulled up after 5th
took keen hold, held up in rear, headway 6th, tracked leaders necked, led throughout, in command before last, driven and stayed on well
took keen hold, pressed leader, led 6th, headed approaching 2 out, 3rd unbeaten when hit last
led until 6th, weakened after 3 out, 4th and no chance when hit last 2
chased leaders until mistake and driven 5th, lost touch next, pulled up before 3 out
took keen hold, tracked leaders, led briefly before 2 out, chased winner after, held between last 2
mistakes, in touch, weakened 5th, soon tailed off
always in rear, tailed off when pulled up before 4 out
towards rear, promising headway 6th, ridden and weakened after next
Liakoura is a far from confident selection in the lucky last, where Just Supposin, Blackmail and Classic Role are others to consider. Classic Role is being kept busy and, having had his sights lowered, he has to be respected back in maiden company. Still, he is exposed and it would not be surprising to see something have his measure this afternoon. Blackmail is a capable performer on the level and is being introduced to hurdles a little late in the day. He would not need to be anything special to make the frame, so market support could be interesting. Just Supposin is going the right way to pick up a contest of this nature and, although he ground may be quicker than he would truly care for, he has to be shortlisted in this company. However, preference is given to Liakoura, who has taken to hurdling in both his previous starts and, as this is far from a daunting task, his class from the Flat may be enough to see him through.
Blackmail (USA) 12-1 (8-12) Held up in touch, headway over 5f out, ridden over 3f out, soon weakened, last of 10, 14l behind Scamperdale (9-0) at W'hampton 1m 1f hcp 0-65 (6) pol in Mar (Flat).
Classic Role 10-1 (11-4) Mid-division, ridden 6th, kept on one pace from 2 out, 6th of 16, 9l behind Moon Star (11-4) at Wincanton 2m nov hcp hdl 0-105 (4) gf.
Just Supposin 5-1 (11-2) In touch, ridden 3 out, weakened approaching 2 out, 6th of 18, 23l behind Lincoln's Inn (11-2) at Warwick 2m 5f mdn hdl (4) gd in Mar.
Liakoura (GER) 20-1 (10-12) Held up mid-division, headway 4th, weakened after 2 out, 5th of 14, 35l behind De Soto (10-12) at Taunton 2m 1f nov hdl (3) gs in Dec.
Silverhay 8-1 (11-1) Went badly right 1st, chased leaders, effort after 3 out, weakened next, 6th of 12, 32l behind Oslot (11-6) at Taunton 2m 1f mdn hdl (4) gs in Dec.
Speed Winner (AUS) 10-1 (11-3) Mid-division, ridden and weakening when hit 3 out, 13th of 16, well behind Nicki Boy (11-7) at Fontwell 2m 2f hcp hdl 0-115 (4) gd in Mar.
Soulard (USA) 8-1 (11-0) Led, hit 4th, ridden and headed approaching 2 out, kept on same pace, 3rd of 14, 12l behind French Opera (11-0) at Taunton 2m 1f 4yo mdn hdl (4) gd in Mar.
Blue Eyed Eloise 7-2fav (10-8) Keen, mid-division, headway 6f out, weakened 3f out, 7th of 9, well behind Ruairi (11-1) at Kempton 2m mdn nhf (4) hvy in Mar.
