tracked leader throughout, ridden 2 out, every chance last, no extra
held up in touch, headway after 6th, led on bit last and hit, ran on well
always towards the rear
tracked leaders, weakened 3 out, pulled up before next
went left start, keen in rear, ridden 3 out, some headway, soon one pace
led and clear, hit 2nd, ridden 2 out, weakening when headed approaching last
held up towards rear, effort to chase leaders 5th, weakened 2 out
tracked leaders, mistake 4th, ridden and weakened 3 out
held up behind, bad mistake 5th, headway to chase clear leaders next, weakened 2 out
Earth Man,Fandani and Thieves'glen look the three to concentrate on in this novices hurdle and the confident vote is given to Earth Man. The selection won well last time out when beating Alumee and although he has a penalty for that win he is a scope sort that looks as if he will continue to improve so he will be hard to beat. Fandani rates the main danger as he was a good second on his debut behind Cerium and is sure to have learnt from the experience but that horse comes from the same stable as the selection so they should know where they stand. Thieves'glen was a fair second behind Mr Mischief last time and is another that could go well but he never runs two races alike so he can not be put forward with confidence. Of the remainder Shining Strand looked a fair prospect in bumpers but did not progress as expected and for the winner we return to Earth Man who is proven in the conditions.
Earth Man (IRE) 5-4 In touch, headway after 3 out, ridden approaching last, kept on well to lead flat, ridden out, won at Wincanton 2m nov hdl (E) gd in Apr beating Allumee by 1/2l, 9 ran.
Bravura 20-1 Held up, weakened before 3 out, soon eased, 6th of 7, 49l behind Valley Ride at Plumpton 2m nov hdl (D) gd in Mar.
Fandani (GER) 20-1 Held up in touch, headway and chased leader after 3 out, challenged and hit 2 out, ran on but no chance with winner, 2nd of 14, 5l behind Cerium at Wincanton 2m nov hdl (D) gs in Feb.
Mansion Special (FR) 40-1 Held up in rear, no chance when mistake 3 out, tailed off when pulled up 2 out in race won by Forager at Kempton 2m 5f nov hdl (C) sft in Feb, 9 ran.
Shining Strand 9-1 Held up behind, stayed on from 4 out, never dangerous, 7th of 15, 21l behind Briareus at Newbury 2m nov hdl (E) gd in Apr.
Thieves'glen 15-2 Led, hit 3 out, soon ridden, headed last, stayed on, 2nd of 10, 1/2l behind Mr Mischief at Towcester 2m nov hdl (E) gf in Apr.
Twentytwosilver (IRE) 8-1 Held up in mid-division, headway approaching 3 out, challenged and led briefly approaching last, faded flat, 6th of 14, 11l behind Hamadeenah at Taunton 2m 1f hcp hdl 0-100 (F) gd in Oct.
Barton Flower 66-1 Held up towards rear, stayed on for 2 out, went 3rd flat, never troubled leaders, 3rd of 9, 10l behind Earth Man at Wincanton 2m nov hdl (E) gd in Apr.
