prominent, driven along to hold position approaching 8th, ridden to lead approaching 2 out, stayed on well
mid-division, reminders after 3rd, weakened approaching 8th, tailed off
chased leaders, ridden and weakened after 9th
led, ridden and headed 2 out, not fluent last, edged left, kept on
mid-division until weakened approaching 3 out
in touch, headway approaching 9th, ridden after 3 out, kept on same pace
held up, headway after 7th, weakened approaching 9th, tailed off
chased leaders, ridden after 3 out, soon weakened
took keen hold, prominent, ridden after 3 out, 4th and beaten when pulled up before 2 out
always behind
always behind, tailed off and pulled up after 3 out
Blue Business, Roaringwater and Espresso Forte look like the three to concentrate on in this novices' hurdle and the vote is given to the likeable Roaringwater. The selection won a bumper in good style on heavy ground at Hexham back in November, and he looked like one to stay on the right side of that day. He will be better on this faster surface and as he remain open to bags of improvement he should run a big race providing he hurdles fluently. Blue Business won in good style at Wincanton last time when beating Wild Chimes, but he has proved to be a little frustrating at times and we are happy to take him on. Espresso Forte would welcome any further rain and if it arrives then he could be of interest. He would be leading contender on the pick of his form but he was very disappointing last time and he may have his optimum conditions once again today. Ho Ho Hill has shown a fair level of form but looks to be the stable second-string here so he is hard to put forward with any confidence, and for the winner we return to Roaringwater
