chased leaders in 4th, closed after 3 out, chased winner last, driven, strong challenge flat, kept on, always just held
in touch, ridden 5th, outpaced from next
chased leaders, weakened 3 out
held up in last pair, headway under pressure approaching 2 out, staying on into moderate 4th when hit last
chased leaders, led, hit 2 out, strongly pressed from last, driven, held on well
held up in rear, stayed on from 2 out, never reached challenging position
tracked leader, challenged 3 out, led approaching 2 out, headed 2 out, weakened approaching last
led, clear after 2nd, joined 3 out, headed, weakened approaching 2 out
behind, driven after 3 out, soon beaten
held up in 7th, struggling 3 out, virtually pulled approaching next, tailed off
held up in last pair, hit 4th, soon struggling
King's Revenge has rock solid claims in this handicap hurdle; Rajam and Sir Rique look the pair to fear the most. This could be a good day for trainer Alan King who arrives here with a strong pool of runners. King's Revenge probably needed the run at Aintree last time but he should be spot-on for this and with ground conditions to suit he is a confident choice. Rajam won well over hurdles at Wincanton last time and although he has obvious claims today, he will probably be seen to better effect over a longer trip in time. Sir Rique was well beaten when last seen out in April but he looked the type who might be better this season and he is certainly worth a look in the market on his seesonal reappearance. Wingman is probably better with cut in the ground and he may be best watched today. All of which returns us to King's Revenge as our idea of the winner.
King's Revenge 11-2 (11-6) Held up, headway approaching 3 out, soon every chance, blundered 2 out, kept on same pace from last, 4th of 12, 7l behind Culcabock (10-6) at Aintree 2m hcp hdl 0-130 (3) gd in Oct.
Gabier 8-1 (10-0) Held up, effort 4 out, weakened 3 out, 9th of 12, 32l behind Gwanako (11-0) at Chepstow 2m 4yo hcp hdl (2) gd in Oct.
Midas Way 16-1 (10-8) Chased leaders until weakened after 3 out, 12th of 17, 46l behind Oslot (11-3) at Sandown 2m 4f hcp hdl 0-140 (2) gf in Apr.
Folk Tune (IRE) 16-1 (10-11) Always behind, 10th of 12, 31l behind Culcabock (10-6) at Aintree 2m hcp hdl 0-130 (3) gd in Oct.
Wingman (IRE) 5-1 (11-1) Blundered 1st, mid-division, driven 4 out, no impression, 7th of 13, 42l behind Lennon (11-5) at Perth 2m hcp hdl 0-125 (3) sft in Apr.
Stoop To Conquer 12-1 (10-10) Headway 4 out, switched right 2 out, soon weakened, 6th of 17, 12l behind Eden Linty (10-6) at Chepstow 2m 4f hcp hdl 0-130 (3) gd in Oct.
Rajam 7-1 (11-9) Prominent, chased leaders 3 out, joined leaders 2 out, led soon after last, hard ridden and kept on gamely flat, won at Wincanton 2m hcp hdl 0-125 (3) gd in Oct beating Compton Star (10-1) by 1/2l, 7 ran.
The Local 20-1 (11-11) Led until 4th, chased leaders, weakened before 3 out, 9th of 13, 32l behind Flaming Weapon (11-4) at Exeter 2m 1f hcp hdl 0-115 (4) gs in Mar.
Sir Rique (FR) 20-1 (11-0) Held up in rear, steady headway after 3 out, soon one pace and no impression from next, 5th of 13, 25l behind Laustra Bad (11-8) at Cheltenham 2m 1f 4yo nov hdl (2) gd in Apr.
Rooster's Reunion (IRE) 25-1 (11-11) Mid-division, headway 5th, chased winner approaching 3 out, stayed on same pace from 2 out, 3rd of 9, 4l behind Golden Square (10-8) at Ludlow 2m hcp hdl 0-115 (4) gf in Oct.
Man Overboard 8-1 (11-3) Towards rear, headway 3rd, ridden 2 out, one pace, 4th of 14, 9l behind Gentle John (11-3) at Chepstow 2m nh mdn hdl (4) gd in Apr.
