pulled hard, tracked leaders, led after 3rd, headed 5th, weakened and mistake 2 out, pulled up before last
slowly away, well in rear, stayed on through beaten horses from 2 out
led to after 3rd, close up until weakened approaching 5th
took keen hold in touch, ridden, weakened 5th
held up, ridden, weakened after 5th, tailed off
in touch, went 2nd 3 out, bumped next, one length down when mistake last, no extra flat
always prominent, led 5th, jumped left 2 out, stayed on under pressure flat
always behind, mistake 4th, struggling next, tailed off when pulled up before 2 out
behind, brief effort approaching 3 out, soon ridden, weakened
Beechwood may be able to overcome an absence to get the better of French Direction and Samby in the opener. Henrietta Knight's five-year-old shaped well on all four starts in bumper company and has schooled well enough to warrant support on his debut over hurdles. The recent rain will add to connections' confidence and the son of Fraam gets the vote. French Direction was hammered out of sight by Comply Or Die at Plumpton but will come on for the run, while Samby, successful in a Folkestone bumper on his final start last term, could be anything. Meggie's Lad is on the comeback trail as well and comes from a big stable, so should not be underestimated, but in what should be an informative contest we remain loyal to Beechwood, who can take this before going on to better things.
