never better than mid-division
behind until kept on from 2 out, never on terms
tracked leader, led after 3 out, headed next, soon ridden, no extra approaching last
held up towards rear, never dangerous
pulled hard, led, headed after 3 out, soon weakened, behind when pulled up before last
held up towards rear, smooth headway after 3 out, led next, ridden approaching last, headed flat, no extra
mid-division, headway 3 out, ridden to chase leaders after next, kept on flat, no impression on first 2
prominent until ran out 2nd
held up towards rear, headway 3 out, challenged next, ridden to lead flat, kept on well
with leaders when fell 5th
in rear, headway after 3 out, ridden next, no impression when hit last
mid-division, mistake 3rd, lost place 5th, tailed off when pulled up before 3 out
chased leaders, outpaced after 3 out, soon ridden, no impression
mid-division, mistake 3rd, ridden and lost place 6th, soon behind
mid-division, hit 4th, lost place 6th, tailed off when pulled up before 2 out
A trappy affair in which Tomasino is forgiven a recent modest run with Like A Lord and Page Point likely to put up a bold show in opposition. Keith Reveley's hurdlers have been in fine form this year and while Tomasino's recent run at Plumpton was a disappointment, he is fully entitled to win this on a fourth at Newcastle to Brave Vision. The Names Bond finished four lengths adrift on that occasion and our selection is actually 12lb better off this afternoon. Like A Lord produced a much improved performance behind a Graham Wylie hotpot at Sedgefield. His jumping is not for purists but he is pretty quick between the flights. Topweight King's Crest was a useful flat horse for Richard Fahey. He didn't look particularly well treated prior to his recent outing and he makes less appeal now that the handicapper has elected to push him another 5lb for a second in a modest race. Page Point looks the type to make his mark over bigger obstacles but his stable are starting to run into better form and the step up in trip shouldn't inconvenience. Aldirous made hay here off lower handicap marks before coming unstuck at Sandown off a mark of 96. Crookstown Castle doesn't look to have too many gears to change into whereas County Classic's victory at Sedgefield over Marsh Run suggested that this trip would probably be just about ideal. They should be going at least 5/1 the field here and at the likely odds Tomasino looks a very sporting bet under the circumstances.
