led, clear approaching 2nd, not fluent 2 out, headed last, hung right when no extra towards finish
in touch on outside when mistake, stumbled and unseated rider 2nd
jumped right, raced keenly, soon in touch, weakened approaching 3 out
held up in rear, raced keenly, headway 6th, went 2nd before 2 out, led last, ran on well
mid-division, headway after 5th, chased leader when not fluent 3 out, lost 2nd when mistake 2 out, soon weakened
chased leaders, lost place when jumped right 3rd, not fluent next, lost touch when not fluent 5th
chased clear leader until approaching 3 out, beaten before 2 out, one pace
in touch, ridden before 5th, soon struggling
held up in rear, some headway approaching 6th, soon ridden, weakened approaching 3 out
Darfen has struggled since winning a novice hurdle over course and distance over a year ago and may struggle to get involved at the business end again despite having been given a chance by the handicapper and a safer option looks to be STYLISH SHOT, who is selected ahead of Dabaratsa. Tim Vaughan's mare has been good value for her wins in her last two starts at Worcester in a seller and a claimer but she has been raised 15lbs for those successes and she may struggle to make it three on the bounce. Apache Dawn ran better over course and distance last time and can race off the same mark today so should be thereabouts if able to run up to the same level of form. Tony Carroll's Golden Square is turned out just two days after winning in a conditional jockey's handicap hurdle at Worcester and he has to be strongly considered racing off the same mark again but this may come too soon and preference is for Stylish Shot. Martin Todhunter's gelding does not win very often but has been running consistently well since joining current connections from Ireland and he looks worth another chance to open his account.
Dabaratsa (FR) 7-4fav (10-2) Mid-division, headway to lead after 4 out, drew clear approaching last, pushed out comfortably, won at Worcester 2m 4f clm hdl (5) gs beating Ophistrolie (9-13) by 17l, 9 ran.
Darfen (IRE) 8-1 (11-2) Held up, weakened 4 out, 11th of 17, well behind Whats Up Bob (10-11) at Uttoxeter 2m 4f hcp hdl 0-115 (4) gd in Jun.
Stylish Shot (IRE) 7-2 (11-8) Held up towards rear, ridden after 2 out, never dangerous, 6th of 8, 28l behind Annibale Caro (11-5) at Perth 2m hcp hdl 0-115 (4) gs in Jul.
Kickahead (USA) 15-2 (10-0) Held up and keen, headway to go in touch approaching 5th, weakened after 3 out, 9th of 10, 42l behind Dancewiththedevil (9-9) at Stratford 2m hcp hdl 0-135 (3) gd in Jul.
Apache Dawn 80-1 (11-6) Behind, headway 4 out, stayed on from next, left modest 2nd 2 out, no chance with winner, 2nd of 17, 9l behind Massams Lane (11-0) at Stratford 2m hcp hdl 0-100 (4) gf.
On My Terms (IRE) 25-1 (11-0) Always towards rear, never troubled leaders, 9th of 13, well behind Doris's Gift (11-2) at Hexham 3m hcp hdl 0-100 (4) gf in May.
Golden Square 14-1 (11-1) Led to 5th, outpaced approaching 3 out, rallied before last, led flat, driven out, won at Worcester 2m hcp hdl 0-90 (5) gf beating Esteem (11-8) by 3 1/2l, 13 ran.
Stage Right 10-1 (11-12) Chased leaders, lost place after 4th, well behind 6th, no impression after, 7th of 12, 37l behind Pips Assertive Way (11-9) at Worcester 2m 4f sell hcp hdl 0-90 (5) gs in Jul.
Wee Ziggy 20-1 (10-10) Mid-division, ridden 3 out, one pace, 7th of 17, 18l behind Norisan (10-4) at Wincanton 2m nov hcp hdl 0-100 (4) gs in Oct.
