led early, chased leader, led again 3 out, clear when jumped left last
chased leaders, every chance 3 out, weakened next
chased leaders, outpaced 3 out, chased winner last, no impression
prominent, effort approaching 2 out, one pace
in rear and keen, soon led, headed 3 out, weakened next
always behind, struggling half way, tailed off when pulled up before 2 out
held up towards rear, weakened before 7th, tailed off before 2 out
Hockenheim made a pleasing return when landing a similar contest under equally testing conditions over course and distance last month and Howard Johnson's gelding has an obvious chance of following up under his penalty which he is taken to do at the main expense of Ballyboley and Kealshore Lad. The last mentioned made a winning start to his hurdling career when successful at Bangor last month over 2m4f and has to be respected on that evidence but is far from certain to appreciate this longer trip. Lucky Nellerie has given little sign for encouragement in two starts so far but Ferdy Murphy's horses have suddenly hit form so he cannot be completely ruled out. Sue Smith's Hold The Bid should be able to win a race but would need to improve on all known form to take this and of more interest may be Ballyboley, who showed plenty of promise when last seen in March. Hockenheim has an obvious chance though and he is hard to oppose.
Hockenheim (FR) 5-2fav (10-12) Tracked leaders, led on bend after 5th, drew clear from 3 out, won at Carlisle 3m 1f mdn hdl (5) sft in Oct beating Somedo Somedont (10-12) by 6l, 13 ran.
Kealshore Lad 9-4 (10-8) Chased leader, hit 4th, mistake 7th, ridden to lead after 3 out, driven out, won at Bangor 2m 4f nov hdl (4) gs in Oct beating Bally's Bro (10-11) by a nk, 9 ran.
Ballyboley (IRE) 10-1 (11-3) Mid-dividison, outpaced 2 out, rallied approaching last, stayed on flat, 3rd of 10, 1 1/2l behind According To John (12-1) at Carlisle 3m 1f nh nov hdl (4) hvy in Mar.
Hold The Bid (IRE) 9-1 (11-2) Held up, headway 9th, ridden after 4 out, never dangerous, 3rd of 6, 28l behind Blue Splash (11-7) at Aintree 3m nov hcp hdl 0-115 (3) gd in Oct.
Lucky Nellerie (FR) 20-1 (10-12) Mid-division, hit 1st, chased leaders approaching 3 out, soon weakened, 8th of 18, well behind Tidal Bay (10-12) at Wetherby 2m 4f nh nov hdl (4) sft in Oct.
Smart Man 200-1 (10-9) Always towards rear, tailed off, 14th of 18, well behind Tidal Bay (10-12) at Wetherby 2m 4f nh nov hdl (4) sft in Oct.
Maura's Legacy (IRE) 10-1 (10-8) Chased leaders, led before 6th, headed before 4 out, soon weakened, 10th of 20, well behind Forest Leaves (10-11) at Down Royal 2m 6f mdn hdl gf in May.
