behind, not fluent throughout, ridden 3 out, kept on from 2 out, not trouble leaders
held up, driven and behind 6th, weakening when fell 3 out
with leader, led 2nd, headed briefly after 4 out, ridden 3 out, hit last, no extra when headed flat
held up, headway 5th, ridden and weakened 3 out
tracked leaders, ridden 2 out, kept on well to lead flat
held up behind, not fluent throughout, ridden 3 out, kept on from next, never dangerous
led to 2nd, remained close up, led briefly after 4 out, every chance next, weakened from 2 out
mid-division, ridden and weakened 3 out
whipped round at start, unseated rider
in touch, quickly weakened 3 out, pulled up soon after, dismounted
held up, reminder after 4 out, soon weakened, pulled up before 3 out
tracked leaders, ridden and outpaced 3 out, kept on from 2 out
A wide open contest gets proceedings underway. Gastornis has done well in his bumpers this season, winning at Hexham. The gelding from the Mick Easterby yard then went on to be second under his penalty at Aintree behind the highly regarded Brooklyn Breeze. He is sure to have been well schooled for this his hurdles debut and he will be hard to beat with conditions in his favour. Vidi Caesar rates the main danger. The New zeland bred is from the bang-in-form Richard Guest yard, and he showed improved form when third behind Middlethorpe at Catterick last time out any further improvement would see him go close. Jackpot was a fair third on his debut in a bumper behind Baron Monty. However he was disappointing last time and with his yard going through a quiet spell he may be best watched. King Dante is another well bred sort and he has shown a modicum of ability in both spheres and he could go well at a fair price. Dark Shadows would have a chance on his second behind Besieged at Perth but he has pulled up on his last two starts. Derry Dice has also shown some ability in bumpers and this gelding by Derrylin is sure to be suited by the step up in trip. Ashleybank House is a strapping sort By Lord Americo and what ever he achies this season will surely be a bonus. The remainder need to improve on all known form to take a hand in the finish.
